Tragedy struck when Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a young medical doctor from Edo State, lost her life due to an elevator crash at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. The incident occurred just weeks before she was set to complete her internship. The faulty elevator, which had been in a bad condition since 2011, malfunctioned, causing a crane to fall from the 10th floor where Dr. Diaso was, resulting in her severe injuries and eventual passing.
Before the unfortunate incident, doctors and staff at the hospital had repeatedly reported the elevator’s issues, but no proper maintenance was done. Dr. Diaso’s friend and colleague, Dr. Joy Aifuobhokhan, revealed that numerous complaints had been made since 2011, but no significant action was taken to address the problem. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) was aware of the situation, but still, no corrective measures were implemented.
In response to the tragic event, the Lagos State government has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident and has promised to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence. The Lagos State Chapter of the NMA has declared an indefinite strike at three government hospitals on the Island and demanded justice for Dr. Diaso, stating that her death was avoidable.
The medical community mourns the loss of Dr. Diaso, describing her as a bright, selfless, and dedicated individual who had a promising future ahead of her in the medical field. Her untimely death highlights the urgent need for proper maintenance and attention to safety measures in public facilities to prevent such avoidable tragedies in the future.
