UCH LOST OVER N300M TO COVID-19 —CMD

The University College Hospital, Ibadan lost over N300 million during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, said on Friday.

Otegbayo spoke at a press conference in commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the hospital’s Board Room.

He said, “You will recall that as soon as the first case was reported in Lagos on February 27, the following day, we set up our own task force.

“This was being preemptive and proactive to ensure that we were not hit before we started preventing certain things. At a point in time, we practically had to shut down the hospital.

“A number of patients were afraid to come to the hospital; they were afraid that they might contract the virus. Because of that, we lost over N300 million in terms of revenue. Not only were we not generating income, we were also spending to buy disinfectants, personal protective equipment, face masks and other things.

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“I wish to solicit for a special intervention funds from governments to address issues bordering on aging infrastructure such as our aging buildings, underground electrical cables, electrification and water system of the south campus, plumbing system and equipping the hospital with modern and advanced equipment.

“This speech cannot end without thanking our benefactors who helped through the pandemic. Following an appeal for donation by the hospital management to scale respond to the crippling effects of the COVID-19. Donations were made by individuals, corporate bodies, the government, Nigeria Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and alumni of the hospital.

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Oba Enitan Ogunwasi, the Ooni of Ife; Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Chief Tunde Afolabi, Otunba Subomi Balogun, members of the Board of Trustees of UCH Foundation – Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, Mrs Oluseyi Afolabi and Mr Kayode Falowo for their contribution towards the improvement of healthcare delivery in the hospital.”