Nigerian Govt to declare state of emergency in health sector – Reps

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The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, focusing specifically on the critical power situation at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

The parliament also urged the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to take immediate proactive steps toward restoring power to the institution to ensure its continued functionality.

In addition, the House summoned the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, to account for the deteriorating situation and provide a comprehensive plan to address the power crisis at UCH.

These decisions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance presented at plenary on Wednesday by Afolabi Afuape.

The House also invited the UCH Chief Medical Director to provide insight into the situation and collaborate with the Minister of Health to find a lasting solution.

While moving the motion, the lawmaker emphasized that UCH is a vital healthcare institution that offers essential medical services to Nigerians.

Afuape lamented that the situation had become so dire that relatives of patients now bring power generators and solar inverters to the hospital.

He raised concerns about the persistent blackout that has lasted almost three months, caused by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company over an unpaid electricity bill of N495 million.

The lawmaker warned that the power crisis has severely impacted the hospital’s ability to provide adequate medical services, resulting in avoidable loss of lives, livelihood, and emotional distress to many Nigerians.

The House therefore, “Urged the Federal government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, specifically addressing the critical situation at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

“Urge the Honourable Minister of Power to ensure immediate proactive steps are taken towards restoration of power to the institution to ensure its continuing functionality.

“Summon the Honourable Minister of Health before the House Committee on Health to account for the decadence and provide a comprehensive plan to address the situation.”

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