Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has directed its members to proceed on indefinite strike over the death of a medical doctor in Lagos,Dr.Vwaere Diaso.
Vwaere Diaso, died at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, when the elevator she used crashed from the 10th floor to the ground floor.
The late doctor was immediately rushed to the emergency ward of the hospital where she eventually died.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos has expressed deep mourning over the death of one its members while demanding an enquiry into the death.
It also declared a five-day mourning period while demanding for “an immediate, unbiased investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.”
The NMA in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu and Secretary, Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, said all those found culpable must be brought to justice.
It further directed on its doctors in the three government hospitals on the Island to commence indefinite strike action until the investigations are completed and justice served.
“We immediately direct our doctors in all other government hospitals to scale down activities as a mark of respect for our dead colleague. Only emergency services should be rendered for the next five days.That the government should as a matter of urgency commence the complete overhaul of the house officers’ quarters on the island.
“That all other infrastructures in all our government hospitals that need repairs should be urgently attended to.That the blood transfusion system in Lagos state needs immediate revamping for improved services.”
The group also stated that due to the incident the state officers committee of the association decided that the upcoming Annual General Meeting would be a low-keyed event.
It implored the members to remain calm, saying the leadership of the NMA 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.”
Meanwhile,Lagos state governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu,has has taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the ugly incident.
He mourned the passing of a medical doctor, Vwaere Diaso,describing her death as shocking and a colossal loss to the health sector in the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his verified social media handles on Wednesday,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 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 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.”