The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) announced an indefinite strike in response to the untimely death of their colleague, Dr. Diaso Vwaere, a medical house officer.
Dr. Vwaere lost her life after sustaining injuries while being trapped in an elevator at the Lagos General Hospital for over 40 minutes.
The incident has deeply saddened the medical community, and the NMA is demanding justice for their deceased colleague.
Tragic Incident and Blood Shortage
Dr. Vwaere’s death has sent shockwaves through the medical community.
The incident occurred when the elevator she was in crashed, causing her severe injuries.
She remained trapped for an agonizing 40 minutes before being rescued.
Adding to the tragedy, there was reportedly no blood available for her resuscitation due to a recurring issue caused by changes in the government’s policy on blood donation.
The NMA believes that this tragic loss of life could have been avoided and expresses its profound grief over the incident.
Recurrent Elevator Problem and Brain Drain Concerns
The NMA highlights that the same elevator has been a source of concern for years, with numerous complaints made to relevant agencies without any resolution.
The association is deeply troubled that at a time when the country is grappling with a significant brain drain in the medical sector, a young and promising doctor like Dr. Vwaere, who could have cared for thousands of Nigerians, was allowed to perish in such a preventable incident.
Demands and Pronouncements
In response to this heartbreaking event, the NMA Lagos Chapter makes several demands and pronouncements.
Firstly, they declare a five-day statewide mourning period to honor their departed colleague.
They also call for an immediate, impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Furthermore, the association demands that those responsible for the elevator’s maintenance, particularly Ms. Adenike Adekambi, the General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Management Agency, be held accountable for any negligence.
Indefinite Strike and Low-Key Annual General Meeting
The NMA directs all doctors working in the three government hospitals on the island, including GH Lagos, LIMH, and MSCH, to initiate an indefinite strike until the investigations are completed and justice is served.
Moreover, they request other government hospital doctors to scale down activities, focusing only on emergency services for the next five days as a mark of respect for their deceased colleague.
Infrastructure Overhaul and Blood Transfusion System Improvement
The association urgently calls for a complete overhaul of the house officers’ quarters on the island to ensure the safety and well-being of medical staff.
Additionally, they urge the government to address and repair any other infrastructural issues within all government hospitals promptly.
The NMA emphasizes the need for immediate revamping of the blood transfusion system in Lagos State to enhance services and avoid future shortages.
Conclusion
The NMA Lagos State expresses deep condolences to the immediate family of Dr. Diaso Vwaere, her colleagues, and all doctors in Lagos State.
They vow to leave no stone unturned in seeking justice for their deceased colleague.
While the upcoming Annual General Meeting will be a low-key event out of respect, the association assures its members that they are actively addressing the situation and appeals for calm among all medical professionals during this difficult time.
Their prayers are with the departed colleague, and they hope for the strength to bear this irreplaceable and tragic loss.
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