The Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State chapter, has vowed that everyone involved and culpable in the murder of Dr. Vwaere Diaso will face the full wrath of the law.

The NMA said the death of Diaso highlighted the critical gaps in the healthcare infrastructure that requires immediate attention and overhaul.

Diaso died last Tuesday at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos, after she was trapped in the elevator for more than 40 minutes before she was rescued.

The NMA in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, on Monday, said the tragic loss of Diaso and the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have brought to the fore the urgent need for a robust and renewed commitment to the welfare of doctors and the overall improvement of the healthcare system.

He said Diaso’s avoidable death serves as an immediate call to action to recommit to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.

“Accountability is a fundamental principle of good governance, which applies not only in politics but also across all sectors, including healthcare. The unfortunate incident surrounding Diaso’s passing serves as a stark reminder for us to prioritise accountability at every level of our national life, especially in the healthcare system. The investigative panel of the Lagos State Government has come out with some preliminary findings and some actions are being taken already.

“NMA Lagos has also constituted her own independent investigative panel which is composed of members of the NMA Lagos, the Nigerian Bar Association Lagos Branch, and the Nigeria Society of Engineers. I will like to implore the general public that anyone with useful information about this incident should contact us on all our social media handles and email on nmalagos.secretariat@gmail.com.

“By holding those responsible accountable, we will send a powerful message that the lives of our medical professionals are invaluable and their safety must be given utmost priority,” Olowojebutu said.

On the Lagos State Government’s panel’s findings, the NMA Chair said certain questions are begging for answers.

“Who were our colleagues writing their complaints about the state of affairs and living conditions in the Doctors’ Quarters to? How seriously were those requests taken? The facility managers before they got paid, who signed off their docket to approve the present state of things? Who signs off an uncertified contractor to buy a dysfunctional lift for a building that houses over 100 medical doctors? Who gave the doctors an accommodation that can be described as squalid and unhabitable? These are questions begging for answers and we are certain that the NMA’s panel will help unearth and provide answers.

“Again, we assure our colleagues and the general public that everyone involved and culpable in the gruesome murder of our dear colleague will face the full wrath of the law. Certainly, the death of Dr Vwaere Diaso must and will count for something,” he said.

He also urged the Federal Government to meet the demands of the striking resident doctors.

“We applaud the unwavering determination and commitment of our doctors and strongly urge the government to fulfill its pledge of meeting their demands. These demands include the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers, improved salary structures, hazard allowances, and a revitalised residency training program. The NMA Lagos stands with NARD on this.

“These events have emphasised the importance of reevaluating and improving our emergency preparedness and healthcare infrastructure. The unfortunate passing of Dr. Diaso has brought to light the vulnerabilities within our healthcare and safety facilities that require immediate attention.

“It is crucial that we conduct a thorough examination of our emergency response protocols, allocate sufficient funding to healthcare facilities, and make investments in essential medical equipment and supplies. By providing our doctors with the necessary resources, we can ensure that they are equipped to deliver effective care in the face of unforeseen challenges,” he noted.

Punch