The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has described the death of Dr. Diaso Vwaere, who died in the elevator in the House Officers’ quarters of General Hospital Odan as, “gross negligence in the maintenance of the elevator.”
In a statement signed by Dr. Uche R. Ojinmah, NMA said that the death of the young doctor was avoidable, adding that she died from injuries sustained from the crash of the elevator.
Ojinmah said: “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 an inspection of all public elevators in Lagos State and commence routine maintenance.
“We call on 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.”
