The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo has allayed the fears of the public over the fire outbreak that occurred in a section of the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the early hours of yesterday.

According to Professor Otegbayo, though the cause of the fire outbreak is yet to be ascertained, there was no casualty as a result of the unfortunate incident, adding that, all efforts were put in place to ensure that the fire was put out.

In a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), UCH, ‘Funmi Adetuyibi, the CMD assured the public that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that services were not disrupted both at the ICU and the hospital in general.

He appreciated the timely intervention of the Oyo State Fire Services, the media for their concern, and the efforts of the staff of the hospital that led to putting the situation under control.

Professor Otegbayo assured that the immediate and remote causes will be investigated to avert future occurrences of such incidents. He added that a purpose-built fire station for the hospital is also currently under construction.

Otegbayo added that, contrary to speculation, no patient was trapped in the inferno, which affected part of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and one of the theatres.

The authorities assured relatives and families of patients that everything is under control and services have since commenced through immediate alternative arrangements.