Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos branch, has directed medical doctors in three government hospitals on Lagos Island to embark on an indefinite strike over the death of its member, Dr Diaso Vwaere.
The directive was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of NMA in the state, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr Ajibowo Ismail, yesterday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vwaere, a medical house officer with the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, died on August 1, owing to the injuries sustained when the elevator she was in crashed from the 10th floor of the hospital building.
NMA directed the doctors at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, and Massey Street Children’s Hospital, to embark on the strike until investigations into the cause of the death were completed and justice served.
“The information we got was that she was trapped in the elevator for more than 40 minutes before she was rescued.
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“To us, this was an avoidable death and, unfortunately, it was allowed to happen. We are pained and we are mourning.
“We are well aware that this same elevator has been a source of problem for many years during which several complaints had been made to all relevant agencies with no respite.
“It is very painful that at a time when the country is battling with unprecedented brain drain, a young colleague that would have been expected to attend to 6,000 Nigerians was allowed to die a needless death,” the association said.
It called for an immediate, unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
“That all those found culpable in this matter, especially the General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Management Agency, Ms Adenike Adekambi, are all brought to justice,” the association said.
NMA also directed all the doctors in other government hospitals in the state to scale down activities as a mark of respect for their dead colleagues.
“Only emergency services should be rendered for the next five days,” it said.
The association appealed to the government to urgently begin an overhaul of the house officers’ quarters on the Island and repair the infrastructure in all government hospitals that needed attention.
NMA also urged the government to revamp the blood transfusion system in the state for improved services.
“We appeal to our colleagues to remain calm, as NMA Lagos State leadership is on top of the situation and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is not just served but seen to have been served,” the association said.
It commiserated with the family of the late doctor, her colleagues on the Island, the Medical Guild, and the body of doctors in the state while praying for the fortitude to bear the irreparable and unfortunate loss.
*Sanwo-Olu orders immediate investigation
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of a medical doctor, Diaso, describing her death as shocking and a colossal loss to the health sector in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his verified social media handles yesterday, said he has taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the ugly incident.
The governor also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and colleagues, particularly the Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Guild, doctors, and healthcare professionals in Lagos State.
He said, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the Doctors’ quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had her life cut short in such a devastating manner.
“As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss.
“To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community.
“In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident. May Dr Vwaere Diaso’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
