Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – Healthcare operators have warned that rising electricity tariffs and increasing operating costs are placing hospitals under severe financial pressure, with the potential to increase medical bills and limit access to quality healthcare.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Olubisi Oyeniran, said electricity has become one of the largest operating expenses for hospitals despite its critical role in healthcare delivery.
Speaking during the commencement of medical services at the hospital’s new outpatient clinic in Alaro City, Epe, Lagos, Oyeniran called for government intervention to reduce the energy burden on healthcare providers.
He noted that hospitals require uninterrupted electricity to power life-support equipment, laboratories, diagnostic machines and cold-chain facilities essential for patient care.
“Power is one of the biggest issues in running healthcare because it comes at a huge cost. Medical equipment is imported with forex pressure, and this comes at a huge cost. The government can help,” he said.
Oyeniran urged government to introduce targeted energy subsidies, direct electricity support and other policy interventions to reduce operating costs across the healthcare sector.
He also noted that foreign exchange volatility has significantly increased the cost of imported medical equipment, further straining healthcare providers.
According to him, unless the rising costs are addressed, hospitals may have no option but to transfer the burden to patients through higher service charges.
The warning coincided with the commencement of operations at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals’ new outpatient clinic in Alaro City, a rapidly expanding mixed-use development in Epe.
Managing Director of Iwosan Lagoon Outpatient Clinic and Iwosan Wellness Centre, Oluwatomi Kogo, disclosed that the centre would be expanded into a full-service hospital within the next 12 months.
He said the expansion would include at least 10 inpatient beds, a fully equipped laboratory and a radiology unit.
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