Three patients on hospital life support die, power bill issue resolved by stakeholders
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Three patients on life support at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) died on Monday after power supply was cut by Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
AKTH spokesperson Hauwa Dutse disclosed in a statement that four patients were on ventilatory support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) when power outage led to three deaths but one survived.
KEDCO reportedly disconnected power over an outstanding debt of N949.88 million as of the end of August.
KEDCO Head of Corporate Communications Sani Bala insisted in a statement that the hospital is expected to settle its August bill of N108.95 million in full within 10 working days or risk further sanctions.
He explained that technicians sought to separate the hospital’s supply from residential staff quarters because of alleged wastage but were initially denied access, prompting the shutdown that led to the outage.
Dutse said the blackout had a direct impact on patients on life support machines.
“On that very day, Friday, there were four patients on admission, and due to the power outage, three of them died,” she recounted.
She disclosed that the issue was resolved after a meeting involving stakeholders from AKTH, KEDCO, and the police.
“The Managing Director immediately after the meeting directed KEDCO engineers to reconnect electricity to the hospital,” Dutse added.
“The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, wishes to inform the general public that the matter has been resolved amicably in collaboration with KEDCO and the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Bakori.
“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.”
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