The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) chapter in Lagos State has instructed doctors employed at the three government hospitals on Lagos Island to initiate an indefinite strike in response to the passing of Dr Vwaere Diaso.
The hospitals affected by the strike are General Hospital, Odan, Lagos; Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos; and Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos.
In addition, the NMA has declared a five-day mourning period in the state.
According to the association, Diaso tragically passed away on Tuesday at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos. She had been trapped in an elevator for over 40 minutes before being rescued, and there was a lack of blood available for resuscitation.
The press statement regarding this matter was signed by Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, Chairman of the NMA Lagos State, and Ismail Ajibowo, Secretary of the association, on Wednesday.
“We received the distressing news of the death of our member, Dr Vwaere Diaso, a medical house officer, with great shock. Her passing occurred as a result of injuries sustained due to an elevator crash. This is truly heartbreaking and unfortunate. We express our condolences to her immediate family, colleagues on the Island, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State. According to the information we received, she was trapped in the elevator for more than 40 minutes before being rescued.
“We were also informed that there was a lack of blood available for resuscitation. This issue has been occurring frequently following the government’s review of the previous blood donation policy.
“To us, this death could have been prevented, and it is distressing that it was allowed to happen. We are filled with pain and grief. We are aware that this same elevator has been causing problems for many years, with numerous complaints made to relevant agencies without any resolution,” the statement read in part.
The association is now demanding an immediate and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We declare a five-day statewide mourning period. We demand an immediate, impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. All individuals responsible for this matter, particularly Ms Adenike Adekambi, General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Management Agency, must be held accountable.
“We are instructing all our doctors at the three government hospitals on the Island (GH Lagos, LIMH, and MSCH) to commence indefinite strike action until the investigations are concluded and justice is served. We are also directing our doctors at all other government hospitals to reduce their activities as a sign of respect for our deceased colleague. Only emergency services should be provided for the next five days.
“The government must urgently initiate a complete overhaul of the house officers’ quarters on the island. Immediate attention should be given to repairing all other infrastructure in our government hospitals. The blood transfusion system in Lagos State requires immediate reform for better services.
“As a consequence of this tragic incident, the State Officers Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State, has decided to hold a low-key Annual General Meeting as a mark of respect to our colleague. We appeal to our colleagues to remain calm as the NMA Lagos State leadership is actively involved in dealing with the situation and will do everything necessary to ensure that justice is served, not only in reality but also in perception,” the statement concluded.
