Jibril Abdu Zaria
The Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Shika, is grappling with an electricity debt exceeding N1 billion, amid funding constraints and monthly power bills ranging between N84 million and N102 million.
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The chief medical director of the hospital professor Hamid UMdagas Ahmed stated this while reacting in the allegations of diversion of cancer patients fund in Zaria
The CMD who was represented by professor Muhammad Ibrahim Zaria, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee of the hospital.
Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Zaria explained that the hospital’s monthly electricity bills far exceeded the funds available through its overhead allocations, making it difficult to meet its financial obligations.
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He said the hospital had experienced power disconnection over unpaid bills but secured reconnection following negotiations with the electricity distribution company.
He pointed out that the hospital had also relied on internally generated revenue and support from a diesel supplier to sustain essential services, particularly during frequent disruptions to the national electricity grid.
Professor added that the management was exploring ways to settle the outstanding debt while seeking external assistance to address the institution’s financial challenges.
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He said Despite the constraints the hospital had continued providing healthcare services and implementing infrastructure improvements under present administration.
Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Zaria listed developments in radiology, trauma care, pharmacy, quality-control laboratories, water supply and sewage treatment as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery.