The 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, has been grappling with a severe power outage for over three weeks.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the development has led to a dire consequence of the military health facility’s failure to settle its substantial electricity bills owed to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDC).
The blackout has not only disrupted crucial medical services but has also led to the unfortunate demise of some patients, as health practitioners now operate on a skeletal emergency basis.
Disturbingly, corpses stored in the facility’s morgue are reported to be decaying due to the lack of electricity.
According to insiders, the management’s refusal to settle outstanding bills, amounting to millions of Naira, resulted in the disconnection of power three weeks ago.
Soldiers and officers have expressed frustration as their funds are being deducted directly for electricity bills despite the hospital being in complete darkness.
One source lamented, “Before now, we had light, but the Chief Medical Director, Corps Commander Medical, and General Officer Commanding have refused to pay. The mortuary has no light, dead bodies have decayed.”
The dire situation has paralyzed the hospital’s operations, preventing health personnel from carrying out essential duties, including medical tests, leading to further patient fatalities.
The stench of decay now permeates the morgue surroundings, illustrating the grim consequences of the prolonged power outage.
SaharaReporters has consistently reported on corruption within the army, highlighting how it hampers the service’s operations.
Notably, in October 2023, Nigerian soldiers attached to the 33 Artillery Brigade in Bauchi State sought the removal of their commander, alleging inadequate provisions during Operation Flush Out.
Soldiers, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, expressed dissatisfaction with spending their salaries on feeding, contrary to operational standards.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing that such neglect contributes to soldiers engaging in criminal activities.
The dire state of the Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in military management and resource allocation.
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