The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his grief and empathy for the deceased family of a young medical doctor, Dr. Vwaere Diaso, who lost her life due to a fatal elevator accident at the Doctors’ quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.
Governor Sanwo-Olu took to Twitter to make this known on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
He wrote, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the doctor’s quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island.
“It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had her life cut short in such a devastating manner.”
Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time.
“As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss,” he stated.
RELATED: Young Nigerian Doctor Killed in Elevator Accident at Lagos General Hospital
He continued, “To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community.
“In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.”
Social Media Reaction
The death of Dr. Diaso has sparked anger on social media, with many Nigerians sharing their experiences and raising concerns about the hospital’s facilities, especially the faulty elevator.
A lot of people have pointed out that the death could have been prevented if the state government had fixed the faulty elevator.
NMA Declares Strike
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) expressed sadness over the loss of Dr. Diaso and demanded an immediate, unbiased investigation into the incident.
Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu and Dr. Ismail Ajibowo, the NMA’s Chairman and Secretary, issued a joint statement revealing distressing details about the incident.
She was trapped in the elevator for over 40 minutes before being rescued, and the NMA believes timely intervention and better safety measures could have prevented the tragedy.
The NMA declared a five-day mourning period and directed doctors in three government hospitals on the Island to go on an indefinite strike until the investigations are completed and justice is served.
They also urged the government to renovate the house officers’ quarters and rectify other infrastructure in government hospitals right away.
