COOUTH Seeks Subsidised Electricity Tariff, Special Support From FirstPower

The Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, has appealed to FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company to consider the hospital for special electricity support, including possible concessions or subsidised tariffs, to enable it sustain uninterrupted healthcare services.

The appeal was made by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (D-CMAC), Dr. Chinenye MaryQueen Uju, when a delegation from FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company, Awka, paid a courtesy visit to the hospital on Tuesday as part of activities marking the company’s 2026 Customer Week.

Dr. Uju, who received the delegation on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Maureen Uche Umeakuewulu, alongside other members of the hospital’s management team, stressed that reliable electricity supply was critical to virtually every aspect of modern healthcare delivery.

She said the hospital required increased and more consistent power supply because diagnostic services, surgical procedures, patient monitoring, laboratory operations and the use of essential medical equipment all depend heavily on electricity.

While commending the level of electricity supply currently enjoyed by the hospital, the D-CMAC appealed to FirstPower to explore ways of supporting COOUTH with a special arrangement that would reduce the financial burden of electricity consumption.

She said such support would help the hospital maintain uninterrupted services and enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

The FirstPower delegation, led by Mrs. Uju Okafor, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the electricity distribution company and COOUTH, while appreciating the hospital for its patronage.

Okafor expressed the company’s appreciation for the cordial relationship between both organisations, assuring the hospital management that FirstPower valued its partnership with COOUTH.

She encouraged the hospital to promptly communicate with the company whenever it encountered challenges relating to electricity supply, assuring that FirstPower remained committed to addressing such concerns.

Responding on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Uju appreciated FirstPower for the courtesy visit and its efforts towards maintaining a cordial relationship with the hospital.

She said stronger collaboration between COOUTH and critical service providers such as FirstPower would contribute significantly to efficient healthcare delivery.

The FirstPower delegation subsequently assured the hospital management of the company’s commitment to improving its service delivery to COOUTH and further strengthening the relationship between both organisations.

The visit underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between healthcare institutions and critical service providers in supporting quality, efficient and patient-centred healthcare delivery.

COOUTH Management expressed appreciation to FirstPower for the visit and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining mutually beneficial relationships that would support the hospital’s mission of providing quality healthcare services to Ndi Anambra and beyond.