Hospital Plans to Cut Costs with Solar Energy Investment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika, Kaduna State, plans to transition to renewable energy. Prof. Ahmed Hamidu, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), announced this during an interview with journalists in Zaria on Monday. He expressed concern over the hospital’s unsustainable monthly electricity bill of N75 million.
Addressing Energy Challenges
Prof. Hamidu stated that each critical department and unit block at ABUTH would gradually shift to renewable energy sources over time. He highlighted energy as the hospital’s greatest challenge. Last year, the hospital paid around N240 million to Kaduna Electric for outstanding payments, and by the year’s end, the debt accumulated to over N200 million again.
Due to the recent increase in energy tariffs, ABUTH’s energy expenses have skyrocketed. Last month alone, the hospital paid N25 million, but the latest bill was N75 million. Additionally, they spent N47 million on diesel, resulting in over N100 million per month for energy costs, which is unsustainable.
Renewable Energy Solutions
The transition to renewable energy, particularly solar energy, aims to reduce these staggering costs. Solar energy investment is crucial for ABUTH to manage its energy consumption and ensure financial stability. Prof. Hamidu emphasized that even if the hospital used all available funds to pay for energy, it wouldn’t be enough. Therefore, adopting solar technology is a strategic move to alleviate the financial burden.
Commitment to Affordable Healthcare
Despite these challenges, Prof. Hamidu assured that ABUTH would not increase charges for services. He stressed the hospital’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare, noting that raising service costs could deter patients from seeking care. “We cannot raise the cost of services or health inquiries due to our current challenges and our location in Zaria, which is a civil service town,” he said.
He also pointed out that the hospital has been under construction for nearly 40 years, leading to deteriorating facilities and buildings. However, despite these obstacles, the CMD highlighted improvements made since his tenure began in 2019.
Appeal for Government Support
Prof. Hamidu appealed to the government for assistance, stating, “We have exhausted all our funds, including those from patients who pay for services and other consumables.” The hospital’s shift to renewable energy aligns with green energy policies and supports sustainable development goals. This transition not only aims to reduce energy costs but also to contribute to a more stable and environmentally friendly energy market.
The move towards renewable energy is expected to enhance the hospital’s operational efficiency and ensure the continuous provision of essential healthcare services. By investing in solar energy and energy storage solutions, ABUTH aims to become a model for sustainable energy practices in the healthcare sector.
Source：guardian.ng
