*Says it can no longer sustain huge sums spent on electricity bills, purchase of diesel
The removal of fuel subsidy and poor power supply and electricity tariff hike is taking their toll on all sectors of the economy, with the management of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, saying it can no longer operate its generator set between the hours of 2pm to 6pm daily.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29 pronounced fuel subsidy gone and in just this week, electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) are gearing up for an upward review of electricity tariffs.
This is also as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) recently said that it spent N124.5bn on alternate power in 2022.
In a memo by the Ag. Director Hajara A. Ahmed (Mrs), titled ‘NOTICE OF ADJUSTMENT TIME FOR OPERATION OF GENERATOR SET’, and addressed to Heads of Departments of the Hospital, the Hospital management said the huge money spent on electricity bills and the purchase of diesel had become unsustainable.
Mrs. Ahmed urged all the Heads of departments to adjust their operations to fit to the new time.
“It is with great concern that the management of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital wishes to inform the Hospital Community that the hike in electricity bills and the huge money spent on purchase of diesel is no longer sustainable.
“In light of the above, I am directed to inform the Hospital Community that in the case of a power outage, the hospital management is constrained not to operate the generators between 2 pm to 6 pm daily (except otherwise authorized).
“Consequently, all Heads of Departments are requested to take necessary steps to handle emergencies, either in the morning or at night.
“However, emergency cases that arise between the hours stated above (2pm-6pm) should be referred to other health facilities within the state,” the Memo read in part.
The Hospital management assured that it would resort to normal services once the situation improves.
She said: “While this adjustment on generator operation is unfortunate news to all of us, the Hospital Management would like to assure all concerned that normal operations will be restored as soon as the situation improves.
“Please Ward managers in the theatres are also to note that in case of a procedure already ongoing and there is a power outage, the side generator attached to the theatre should be powered to complete the procedure.
“All Heads of Departments should bring the content of this notice to the attention of the consultants and all concerned,” she added.
