Power Cut Over ₦950m Debt: Three Patients Die on Life Support at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
Kano, Nigeria – Tragedy struck the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) last Friday when three patients on life support died following a power outage caused by the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
The hospital’s spokesman, Hauwa Dutse, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, revealing that four patients were on ventilatory support in the Intensive Care Unit when electricity was disconnected, but only one survived.
According to her, the blackout had a direct impact on the patients. “On that very day, Friday, there were four patients on admission, and due to the power outage, three of them died,” she said.
It was gathered that KEDCO disconnected the facility over an outstanding debt of ₦949.88 million as of the end of August. In addition, the hospital was asked to settle its August bill of ₦108.95 million in full within 10 working days or face further sanctions.
The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Sani Bala, in a separate statement, said KEDCO technicians had attempted to separate the hospital’s supply from that of its staff residential quarters because of alleged wastage but were denied access, prompting the shutdown that triggered the disruption.
The crisis, however, was resolved after an emergency meeting involving AKTH management, KEDCO officials, and the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usaini Gumel Bakori.
Following the meeting, KEDCO reconnected the hospital’s power supply on the directive of its Managing Director. Hauwa Dutse expressed the hospital’s appreciation to the stakeholders who intervened swiftly.
“The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital wishes to inform the general public that the matter has been resolved amicably in collaboration with KEDCO and the Kano State Commissioner of Police. The management of AKTH expresses its sincere appreciation to the Commissioner of Police and the Managing Director of KEDCO for their timely support and concern during this challenging period,” she added.
Meanwhile, KEDCO maintained that the disconnection was necessary due to the hospital’s huge outstanding bills and called for cooperation to ensure uninterrupted service going forward.