The Lagos State Government expressed its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a medical officer undergoing her housemanship at the Lagos State General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, following her tragic demise.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle, the state government expressed shock over Dr. Vwaere’s death. She reportedly passed away due to a mechanical failure of an elevator at the hospital on Tuesday.
The government also stated that it has initiated an inquiry, with the participation of officials from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Lagos State Safety Commission, and certified Lift and Vertical Transportation Equipment experts.
Emphasizing its commitment to accountability, the Lagos State Government pledged that appropriate sanctions would be imposed on anyone found negligent based on the report of the inquiry.
In response to this unfortunate incident, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) declared an indefinite strike in three hospitals. In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, and Secretary, Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, the NMA revealed that Dr. Vwaere had been trapped in the elevator for more than 40 minutes before being rescued, leading to the decision to take this action.
“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,” the statement added, describing the death as avoidable and unfortunate.
While commiserating with Vwaere’s family and colleagues, the NMA declared five days of mourning, among other demands.
“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,” it added.