Shocking Neglect: 2-Hour Power Outage Paralyzes COOUTH Amaku
Stranded patients at department physiotherapy department, COOUTH Amaku
Patients at the Physiotherapy Department of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, Anambra State, were left stranded for over two hours on Thursday due to a power outage, causing widespread frustration and distress.
An Insideoutnews investigation revealed that the power outage began when the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) cut off electricity. Attempts by the department to switch on a backup generator failed after it was discovered that the connecting wire had been vandalized and stolen.
The situation sparked panic and discomfort among patients who were left groaning in pain as they waited for a resolution that did not come until two hours later.
When our correspondent visited the department, numerous patients and relatives expressed outrage over what they described as a gross security failure.
Many questioned how such a vital health institution could lack proper security surveillance to prevent such an incident.
Comrade Osita Obi, a patient who had come for his routine physiotherapy session, expressed deep disappointment.
He stated, “It is shameful that a teaching hospital of this magnitude cannot adequately monitor movements around its premises. It’s highly regrettable that despite the rigorous security checks people undergo at entry and exit points, this kind of theft could still occur.”
Obi insisted the theft was likely an inside job, suggesting that members of the hospital community were responsible. “There’s no way an outsider could have walked in undetected to steal such vital equipment. The people behind this must be from within the hospital,” he said.
He further called on the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital to launch a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible face appropriate sanctions.
Obi also urged the Anambra State Governor to intervene and order a comprehensive probe to prevent future occurrences.
“What happened here is a complete disgrace to a state-owned tertiary hospital. It’s damaging to the image of the institution and to the state, especially considering the governor’s current investment in health and education. We cannot allow saboteurs to derail the progress being made,” Obi added.
Another patient, who spoke anonymously, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s disheartening that someone could just walk into this hospital and steal wire without consequence. I strongly believe the perpetrators are insiders. Outsiders cannot access this place so easily.”
Security personnel on the premises, we overheard discussing the incident, also doubted the possibility of an external breach.
One senior officer remarked, “It is impossible for an outsider to come in here and steal electrical wire. Only someone who understands our patrol schedules could have done this.”
In a related development, our reporter discovered that one of the uncompleted and abandoned buildings adjacent to the Physiotherapy Department has become a makeshift toilet for staff and others within the hospital.
A visit to the building revealed signs of frequent human activity and waste, raising additional concerns about hygiene, safety, and the general neglect of hospital infrastructure.
