Aminu Kano Educating Hospital (AKTH) has secured an unbiased energy supply with the commissioning of a 7-megawatt solar energy farm, funded by the Federal Authorities.
The multi-million-naira challenge, unveiled by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Expertise, Chief Uche Nnaji, is designed to offer uninterrupted electrical energy provide, scale back the hospital’s reliance on the nationwide grid, and lower its month-to-month energy prices operating into lots of of thousands and thousands of naira.
The commissioning comes simply days after the hospital suffered a three-day energy outage that resulted within the deaths of three sufferers within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The outage was linked to a disconnection by the Kano Electrical energy Distribution Firm (KEDCO).
Talking on the occasion, Chief Nnaji stated the challenge adopted an in depth vitality audit by the Power Fee of Nigeria, which confirmed that AKTH’s linked load of three.5MW and month-to-month diesel bills of about ₦150 million made fossil fuel-based energy unsustainable.
“The answer is a decentralized, strong photo voltaic mini-grid. We’re beginning with 4MW and scaling as much as 7MW. This is not going to solely save prices but in addition assure uninterrupted energy for hundreds of workers and important life-saving gear,” Nnaji stated.
The Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Abba Sheshe, described the event as a “historic milestone” for the hospital and Nigeria’s well being sector.
“Energy is the lifeline of each hospital. With this challenge, AKTH turns into the primary hospital in Nigeria to function independently of the nationwide grid. It will improve service supply and guarantee sufferers on life assist are not endangered by energy outages,” he stated.
Prof. Sheshe additionally introduced new welfare initiatives, together with free neonatal take care of indigent mother and father, free Caesarean sections for low-income sufferers, and an emergency ambulance service to reply to vital circumstances exterior the hospital.
In the meantime, a coalition of twenty-two civil society organizations in Kano expressed grief over the deaths of the three sufferers throughout the energy outage.
In a joint assertion, the coalition referred to as for the structure of an unbiased investigative committee to evaluate AKTH’s emergency preparedness, together with its backup energy programs, and to overview KEDCO’s function within the incident.
“This tragedy should function a defining second for Kano State; a second not of despair, however of resolve. The lives misplaced should not be diminished to mere statistics however turn into the catalyst for systemic change,” the assertion learn.
The coalition pledged to watch developments, mobilize public advocacy, and demand transparency till accountability is achieved.
