Gbadedo Rhodes Vivour, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the just concluded elections has called for immediate suspension of the Chief Medical Doctor and the Facility Manager of General Hospital, Odan in Lagos Island over the careless death of a female doctor, Dr Vwaere Diaso who died in an avoidable elevator mishap on Tuesday.
Speaking on Wednesday, GRV as popularly known stated that the lives of the residents of Lagos State must matter while strongly revealing ‘there must be an unwavering commitment to a no-nonsense culture in the management of public buildings.’
Condemning the attitude of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who didn’t show up on such a sensitive issue as the resident doctors protested on Wednesday, he reminded the people that ‘public institutions must also be subject to stringent safety standards and regular maintenance to prevent such devastating incidents’ and urged that the culpability of the Chief Medical Doctor and the Facility Manager cannot be overlooked in this incident.
“In the wake of the tragic and avoidable death of a young female doctor, Vwaere Diaso, in the collapsed elevator accident which occurred today at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, it is with deep shock and disbelief that this news has been received. The tragic passing of a rising star in a profession whose adherents symbolize compassion and dedication is one incident too much to bear. May God console her family and friends during this difficult period.
In the aftermath of this disturbing event, it is disconcerting that the wife of the Lagos state governor has taken it upon herself to address the protesting doctors. While empathy is appreciated, it is crucial to question why the Commissioner for Health or the governor himself did not think it compulsory and necessary to show up in person at such a sensitive moment.
Lagos residents’ lives must be valued highly, and there must be an unwavering commitment to a no-nonsense culture in the management of public buildings. Our collective safety is a matter of life and death, and it is not sufficient for regulators to assert their authority solely when private establishments fall short. Public institutions must also be subject to stringent safety standards and regular maintenance to prevent such devastating incidents.
The culpability of the Chief Medical Doctor and the Facility Manager cannot be overlooked in this incident. There are reliable reports that show that the management had been repeatedly warned about the faulty elevator, yet they failed to take appropriate action to rectify the situation. Their negligence has resulted in the loss of a precious life, and they must be held accountable for their inaction. Their negligence in failing to address the repeated complaints about the faulty elevator shows a grave disregard for the safety and lives of those using the facility.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the government and healthcare authorities must prioritize the safety of citizens and medical practitioners alike. It is essential to instill a sense of responsibility and accountability at all levels of governance to ensure that such avoidable disasters never happen again. Let us unite in demanding justice for the late doctor and work towards a future where no one’s life is endangered due to the negligence of those entrusted with our wellbeing.”
Dr. Vwaere died on Tuesday when the elevator of the hospital it took malfunctioned and crashed from the 10th floor of the building while on her way to meet a dispatch rider. It was gathered that it took one hour to evacuate her from the elevator and even on doing that, there was no blood in the hospital to commence a treatment. Eventually, she died while being administered CPR and stating categorically ‘I don’t want to die.’
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Medical Association has embarked on an indefinite strike following the unfortunate death of Dr Vwaere.
