The Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Lagos State government to offer psychological support for the family of the late Dr Vwaere Diaso.
Dr Diaso died on Tuesday, August 8 at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, after she was trapped in the building elevator for more than 40 minutes before she was rescued.
The NMA also urged the state government to provide psychological support for the doctors residing and working in the General Hospital, Odan.
In a press statement signed by the NMA President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, said, the Lagos State Government should also initiate an inspection of all public elevators in the state and commence routine maintenance.
“NMA has keenly followed the issues surrounding the avoidable death of our young colleague Dr Vwaere Diaso from injuries sustained from the crash of the elevator in the House Officers’ quarters of General Hospital Odan.
“Let us at this point send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased colleague. It is our prayer that God shall console the entire family and grant the soul of the departed peaceful repose.
“That this death was avoidable is not in doubt as the stories surrounding the elevator leave a very sour taste in the mouth. After reviewing all the facts, it is clear that Dr Vwaere was a victim of gross negligence in the maintenance of the elevator.
“We hereby commend all the efforts by our members in Lagos State in ensuring justice for our departed colleague and call on the government of Lagos State to make hay while the sun shines.
“NMA hereby calls on Lagos State Government to quickly initiate measures to assuage the pains and loss being felt by the family of Dr. Vwaere. The government should also provide psychological support for the family and all the doctors residing and working in the General Hospital, Odan. The government should also initiate the inspection of all public elevators in Lagos State and commence routine maintenance,” Dr Ojinmah said.
Ojinmah also called on the Lagos State government to carry out a thorough investigation and mete out sanctions as appropriate.
“NMA wants justice to be seen to be done and shall resist any attempt to subvert or mitigate it.
“Let all tiers of government in Nigeria learn a lesson from the loss of this young doctor and make sure that such avoidable deaths are prevented. Let her death not go in vain but become a trigger for us all to imbibe routine maintenance culture. May we never spill another innocent blood as a nation,” he noted.
