Three patients have reportedly died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following an interruption of electricity supply by Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Spokesperson of the hospital, Hauwa Dutse, who confirmed the deaths, said four patients were on ventilatory support in its Intensive Care Unit when power was cut, but three died.
Reports said that KEDCO disconnected the facility over an outstanding debt of N949.88 million as of the end of August.
The DisCo’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Sani Bala, said the hospital was also expected to settle its August bill of N108.95 million in full within 10 working days or risk further sanctions.
Hauwa explained that 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 said.
She explained that the issue has been resolved after an urgent meeting involving stakeholders from AKTH, KEDCO, and the Police.
According to her; “The Managing Director immediately after the meeting directed KEDCO engineers to reconnect electricity to the hospital.
“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.”
Meanwhile, KEDCO spokesman, Sani Bala, said technicians had 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 disruption.
* Media Report