Increase in electricity power tariffs could find several hospital like Iganga Hospital swimming in accumulated bills.
Even with the subsidies in place, Iganga Hospital was finding it difficult to clear a 70 million electricity bill accumulated over the last two years.
Julius Kabusere, the Iganga hospital administrator, says the huge bill was triggered by the high cost of fuel.
Dr. Mohammed Lubega, the Iganga hospital medical superintendent says the most affected areas that consume most electricity are the theatre, security lighting and maternity ward which must have electricity all the time.
The hospital receives Shs 3m every month to carter for electricity bills and fuel, but the increase prices of fuel and power outages since 2009, has spurred the budget.
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With the removal of 60% subsidy on electricity by government the bill is projected to accumulate to Shs 4,672,000/- per month, an increase of 60%. The cost unit of power has shot from 385.6 to Shs 524.5 per unit.
To cut on the rising cost of the electricity bills, Iganga hospital has put in place new regulations restricting patients from using any form of electronic to boil water or cook food at the hospital.
Lights are switched on at 7:00pm and switched off at mid night, save for emergency situations. The hospital has also fitted energy saving bulbs in most of the wards.
Shafi Isa Wanyiale, was recently discharged from Iganga hospital male ward. He says power outages are scary moments at the hopsital.
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Rose Oyela, the UMEME eastern manager says most hospitals are heavily indebted and the sitiuation could worsen with the removal of the subsidies on power.
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