By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A monthly electricity bill of N13 million is a huge burden that makes it impossible for the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Gombe to discharge its primary duty of health care delivery to 3.3 million people, most of whom are not well off.
FTH Chief Medical Director Yusuf Abdullah lamented the situation and appealed to Abuja to provide the hospital with an alternative power supply as the bulk of its revenue goes to servicing power.
He made the disclosure during the virtual unveiling of medical equipment donated to the hospital by the federal government, as reported by The PUNCH.
Present at the event were Special Duties and Inter-Government Affairs Minister, George Akume, and National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) Executive Secretary, Bello Maigari.
The donated items include
· Ultrasound scan machine
· Digital x-ray machine
· Oxygen concentrators
· Blood Pressure Apparatus
· Delivery beds
· Theatre beds
· Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Abdullahi said besides the N13 million paid monthly to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company there is another N56 million outstanding.
His words: “We are still appealing for interventions especially as it relates to an alternative power source …. Last month we paid more than N13 million, we still have N56 million outstanding. This is without adding the cost of running power generating set.
“There is no direct money coming to take care of such services. We really need to reduce the consumption of power from the national grid. That will go a long way in making our services affordable and effective.
“We need more ambulances and vehicles for doctors and staff. Our vehicles are very old and they keep breaking down on daily basis.
“We also have some of our equipment installed about 20 years ago. Some of them are now obsolete and out of date in terms of what is needed for 21st-century medical care.”
According to The PUNCH, Abdullahi commended the federal government and the NLTF for the equipment donated, saying the items would help raise service quality.
“The types of equipment supplied are modern and of 21st century and over 100,000 patients have benefitted from the use of the vital equipment. We appreciate you for the donation and accept them as a sign of love,” he added.
State Specialist Hospital Medical Director, Ishaq Shuaibu, also applauded the federal government for providing the equipment but reiterated the need for alternative power sources to make them work and provide regular medical services.
“Over 10,800 patients have benefitted from the use of the vital equipment. Alternative power is one of the challenges of this hospital and tackling it will ensure service is available 24/7.
“Call duty vehicles and ambulances are also essential commodities here so that personnel can be transported freely to their service point at any time,” Shuaibu said.