By treating reliable electricity as a core component of public health policy, the Ondo State Government has taken a practical step to reduce the vulnerability of critical medical institutions to power outages.

The activation of a 240kW solar power system at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Ondo, reflects a growing recognition that healthcare delivery cannot depend solely on grid supply or emergency generators.

Approved by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and executed by the Ondo State Power Company Limited, the project is designed to provide an alternative and more predictable source of electricity for hospital operations. It is expected to generate about 1,244,160 kilowatt-hours of power annually, supporting laboratories, diagnostic equipment, emergency services and other essential functions.

For a teaching hospital, stable electricity is not merely a convenience; it is a policy priority. Power interruptions can disrupt surgeries, compromise diagnostic processes, affect the preservation of medical supplies and slow emergency response.

By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, the state government is seeking to strengthen the resilience of its health system while reducing the operational burden associated with unreliable power.

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Johnson Alabi, described the intervention as part of the administration’s commitment to improving public services through sustainable energy solutions. He said the project demonstrated the practical implementation of the state’s OUR EASE agenda, particularly in sectors where service delivery depends heavily on electricity.

The Chief Medical Director of UNIMEDTH, Prof. Gbala Michael, welcomed the intervention, describing electricity as the lifeline of a functional hospital. While commending the government for its prompt response, he also indicated that the hospital would require further investment in power infrastructure to meet its growing needs.

Beyond UNIMEDTH, the project signals a broader direction in Ondo’s energy policy of deployment of clean and decentralised power solutions in public institutions.