The Management of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) has appealed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) to urgently reconnect the hospital to the national grid following its abrupt disconnection, which has already resulted in the deaths of patients on life support.
In a statement signed by the hospital’s Head of Information Unit, Hauwa Inuwa Dutse, the management expressed deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives in the intensive care units after KEDCO cut off electricity supply to the hospital due to unsettled bills.
“The Management of AKTH is saddened by the death of some patients in critical care after KEDCO abruptly disconnected the entire hospital from electricity supply over pending bills which the hospital is earnestly working to pay,” the statement read.
The hospital explained that it consistently pays electricity bills to KEDCO from its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), while also committing a significant portion of its resources to purchase diesel for its on-site generators, which serve as backup power supply.
While acknowledging the outstanding debt, the management stressed that the situation requires special consideration due to the sensitive nature of healthcare delivery.
“The Management of AKTH appeals to KEDCO to support its healthcare services to patients by restoring electricity to the hospital as it takes steps to defray outstanding bills,”
The hospital emphasized that uninterrupted electricity supply was vital for survival of patients on life-saving equipment, and warned that continued disconnection could lead to more avoidable deaths.
ABDULLAHI JALALUDDEEN/kano
