A Lagos State panel, set up by the Nigerian Medical Association, has discovered that the elevator which caused the tragic death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso at General Hospital, Lagos Island, was defective and shouldn’t have been in operation.
In a report presented to the NMA President, Benjamin Olowojebutu, the committee emphasized the dire condition of the elevator, which had fallen from the building’s 10th floor, inflicting fatal injuries on Dr. Diaso.
It was made clear that both elevators at the building had been malfunctioning for a considerable period. Two house officers attested to this in their interactions with the panel.
The committee, made up of an assortment of professionals including doctors, lawyers, and engineers led by Saheed Babajide, urged the hospital administration to ensure regular maintenance of their assets. They stressed the need for safety training, emergency handling drills, and routine safety checks.
They also proposed an inquiry into all parties involved and legal action against any found negligent. As a tribute, the panel has suggested renaming the house officers’ quarters at General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island in honor of Dr. Diaso.
Reacting to the report, NMA President Olowojebutu expressed his determination to ensure that this tragic incident leads to lasting change. He emphasized the significance of safety measures and the accountability of every entity involved, underscoring the universal risk such negligence poses, not just to medical professionals but to all Nigerians.
