The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State Chapter has directed all doctors working in the three government hospitals on Lagos Island to begin an indefinite strike over the death of their colleague, Dr Vwaere Diaso.
The hospitals to embark on the indefinite strike are the General Hospital, Odan, the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, and the Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos.
On Tuesday, Dr Vwaere Diaso, a Babcock University graduate who had two weeks left to complete her housemanship fell to her death after the elevator she was in reportedly dropped from the 10th floor of the Doctors’ Quarters of General Hospital Odan, Lagos.
It was alleged that workers had been complaining about the same elevator.
On January 12, 2020, the Medical Guild, an association of all Lagos State Government employed Medical and Dental Doctors had tweeted: “FACT: The doctors’ quarters at General Hospital Lagos has 10 floors. It has a nonfunctional elevator and no running water. Doctors who live on the 10th floor including pregnant women climb the stairs multiple times daily.”
Following the tragic accident, the NMA declared an indefinite strike and also declared a five-day mourning period in the State and asked doctors in other government-owned hospitals to scale down activities as a mark of respect for Dr Diaso.
Lagos Government commiserates with the family of Dr Vwaere Diaso.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has expressed shock at the news of the death of Dr Vwaere Diaso.
A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr Olumide Sogunle, the State Government and Lagos State Ministry of Health commiserate with the family of the deceased.
A team 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 has commenced an inquiry into the incident.
The Lagos State Government said it would ensure that anyone found negligent by the report of the inquiry will face appropriate sanctions.
