House of Representatives Calls For State of Emergency On Nigerian Health Sector

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, specifically to address the critical situation at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo state, south west Nigeria.

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They also urged the Minister of Power to ensure that immediate and proactive steps are taken towards restoration of power to the institution to ensure its continuing functionality

The House also summoned the Minister of Health to appear before the House Committee on Health to account for the decadence and provide a comprehensive plan to address the situation.

The Lawmakers have also invited the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan to provide insight into the situation, and collaborate with the Minister of Health to find a lasting solution.

The resolutions followed the adoption of a “Motion Seeking Urgent And Proactive Action To Address The Critical Power Situation At The University College Hospital, Ibadan”, sponsored by Mr. Afolabi Afuape.

Leading the debate on the motion, the lawmaker said that the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is the foremost, and of course, a critical healthcare institution, that provides essential medical services in Nigeria.

” The House, urther cognizant that, this institution had previously received medical tourists from abroad, and had hitherto generated substantial revenue into the coffers of the nation;

” Concerned however, that this vital healthcare institution has been thrown into a persistent blackout that has lasted for almost three months by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, over a whooping electricity bill of Four Hundred and Ninety-Five Million Naira (N495,000,000.00k) slammed on the hospital;

” Further concerned that, the precarious situation has severely impacted the institutions ability to render adequate medical services to the people, resulting in avoidable loss of lives and livelihood, as well as emotional distress to Nigerians;

” Worried that, the situation has become embarrassing to the extent that, relatives of patients now bring power generators and solar inverter appliances to the hospital. As well as a donor gifting a high power generating set to aid the hospital services;

” Further worried that, the situation has taken a toll on the psychological and emotional well-being of Nigerians, eroding trust in the governments’ ability to provide basic services”. Mr. Afuape said.

The House thereafter mandated the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Director to provide a detailed report on the actions taken to address the power outage in the Institution, within two weeks.