The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), on Thursday donated multi-million naira medical equipment including incubators and apnea monitor, a machine that detects baby’s heart rate, to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. .
It also donated 140 beddings and renovated a play arena for children at the hospital.
Mr John Ayodele, Chief Operating Officer, IBEDC, said during the presentation in Ibadan, that the gesture was part of the company’s commitment to reduce Neonatal and Infant Morbidity and Mortality in Nigeria.
According to Ayodele, the IBEDC believes that nurturing and caring for young children was an imperative step in human progression.
He expressed IBDEC’s willingness to work with other stakeholders to overcome the obstacles of Neonatal and Infant Morbidity and Mortality, placed on Nigeria’s path to development.
He said the decision to boost the Neonatal unit of the hospital followed monitoring of its activities to identify areas of critical needs.
“As part of our culture, we felt we should focus on UCH, we are delighted to give back to the community we are taking from.
“UCH is one of our major customers; and we are rendering help in our own little way with all sincerity of purpose to help mankind.
Ayodele promised that IBEDC would not relent in its efforts to ensure that significant progress was made in improving the lives of women and children.
Dr. Victor Akinmoladun, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), who represented Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of UCH, thanked IBEDC for the donations.
Otegbayo said the donations came at the right time.
“We have been in need of incubators, and this donation has come at the right time. We need all the help we can get at UCH.
“Nothing is too little to be given to us as donation, we appreciate this effort by IBEDC, and we are not taking it for granted.
“The entire members of staff and the children appreciate this so much,” he said.
Mrs Bilikisu Oluwakemi, who represented the Commissioner for Health in the state, lauded IBEDC for the donations, adding that it would help in ensuring more productivity.
Oluwakemi said that because UCH was known for excellence, the gesture would further help in yielding good results.
“I know the equipment would be put to good use. This development is a step in the right direction.
“At the last count, Oyo State ranked third in the rating of high infant mortality in Nigeria.
“I know the equipment will help in saving lives in Nigeria as a whole, because the hospital is not only used by Oyo State indigenes.’’
Maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria has continued to be major challenge in the health sector with the highest level in the northern part of the country, in spite of several interventions.
