The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Chapter, has declared an indefinite strike action in three major hospitals in the state, following the death of its member, Dr Vwaere Diaso, who was trapped in a faulty elevator that crash-landed from the 10th floor, at the General Hospital, Odan, on Wednesday.
This is even as the Lagos State Government said it has commenced an investigation into the cause of the accident.
Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, chairman, Lagos NMA, in a statement revealed that the late doctor was reportedly trapped in the elevator for more than 40 minutes before she was rescued.
“We direct all our doctors in the three government hospitals on the island (GH Lagos, LIMH, and MSCH) to commence indefinite strike action until the investigations are completed and justice served”, he said.
The association further condemned the gross negligence of the hospital management, coupled with the lack of blood in the facility, which led to the avoidable death of the young doctor, after several complaints have been made concerning the faulty elevator, without response.
Commiserating with the family and loved ones of the deceased, NMA announced a 5-day mourning period, which began on Wednesday.
“We were also reliably informed that there was no blood available for resuscitation, and this has become a recurring issue as a result of the review made by the government on the previous policy on blood donation.
“To us, this was an avoidable death and it’s unfortunate that it was allowed to happen. We are pained and we are mourning. We are well aware that the same elevator has been a source of problem for many years during which several complaints have been made to all relevant agencies with no respite”, Olowojebutu moaned.
Responding to the tragic occurrence, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while condoling with the bereaved, disclosed he has initiated an immediate inquiry into the cause of the incidence, as he assured of unbiased report from the thorough investigation.
He wrote on his official Twitter handled “As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr 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 favouritism”.
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