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The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for Lagos State zone, Benjamin Olowojebutu, strongly emphasizes that the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) must accept responsibility and issue a sincere apology regarding the tragic incident of Dr. Diaso Vwaere’s death in the elevator.
Olowojebutu, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, expressed his disappointment with the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), stating that the first thing he expected from them was a sincere apology for their failure in the system.
He emphasized that since Tuesday, he had anticipated a heartfelt apology letter addressed to the medical community in Lagos, acknowledging their failure and admitting responsibility for the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of one of their fellow doctors. He remarked that such an action would be expected from a government that recognizes its shortcomings. However, as of today, no such apology has been issued.
Dr. Vwaere, who was just two weeks away from completing her one-year housemanship program, tragically passed away on Tuesday at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. Her death was reportedly caused by a mechanical failure in one of the hospital’s elevators.
According to a statement released by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Wednesday, Dr. Vwaere was trapped in the malfunctioning elevator for more than 40 minutes before she was finally rescued.
During the breakfast show, Olowojebutu emphatically pointed out the glaring issues with the maintenance and control systems of the building.
“The Managing Director (MD) of the hospital seems to have no involvement in maintaining the building. It’s concerning that such a crucial facility lacks proper control and oversight. This is a serious oversight that needs to be addressed,” he expressed his concern.
Furthermore, the NMA chairman expressed his distress over the bureaucratic processes that have led to a lack of accountability and allowed for suppression within the system.
“They say LASIMRA is in charge of the quarters, but they don’t answer to the medical director. There is a lack of control, collaboration, and accountability. We believe this is a procedural error, which is one of our recommendations.
If a building in the hospital houses medical doctors, the MD of that hospital should be in charge, aware of it, and receive regular correspondence, perhaps on a monthly basis, regarding maintenance.
The incident resulted in multiple lives lost, emphasizing the need for resident doctors to be fully aware of emergency authorities.
The key point here is that if doctors are expected to live in a place, they should be in charge of maintaining it and understand that they are answerable to someone.
Currently, there is no supervision, and accountability is lacking. The situation is worsened by the absence of water and electricity in the same building. Despite multiple complaints to the agency, the lack of accountability and the dismissal of people’s complaints are distressing.
The association aims to use Vwaere’s demise to reform the narrative of healthcare, strengthen the supervisory role, and instill a genuine passion for the common man in the state to truly reflect the state slogan.
In response to Vwaere’s death, the NMA in Lagos has declared an indefinite strike in three hospitals. The association extends its condolences to her family and colleagues and has declared five days of mourning while presenting several demands.
The state government conveyed its condolences to the family, expressing shock over the death. Additionally, an inquiry has commenced involving 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.”
