Evaluation of Power Backup Systems for Critical Medical Equipment in Secondary Hospitals in Nassarawa State

Power supply interruptions in Nigerian secondary hospitals critically compromise the operation of life-supporting and diagnostic medical equipment, and the adequacy of existing power backup provisions at hospitals in Nassarawa State requires systematic evaluation. This study evaluates power backup systems for critical medical equipment at six secondary hospitals in Nassarawa State, covering facilities in Lafia, Keffi, and Akwanga. Assessment parameters include backup system type (UPS, generator, solar), backup capacity in kilowatt-hours, autonomy duration for critical equipment loads at each facility, transfer switching time, maintenance status, and documentation of critical equipment load inventory. Grid power reliability was assessed from facility staff interview data on average daily blackout duration and frequency. Results show that grid power was available for an average of only nine hours per day across the six facilities. Generator backup was the primary backup provision at all six facilities, but generator fuel availability was inconsistent, with fuel shortages causing backup failures at four facilities during the survey period. UPS systems protecting specific equipment such as patient monitors and ventilators were present at three facilities but with battery capacities providing less than thirty minutes autonomy per device in two cases. Solar power backup was absent at all six facilities despite the state's high solar irradiance potential. Critical equipment load inventories were absent at five facilities, making backup capacity planning impossible. The study recommends solar-hybrid backup system installation, critical load inventory development, and generator maintenance contracting at Nassarawa State secondary hospitals. Keywords: power backup, critical medical equipment, generator, UPS, Nassarawa State.