Vwaere Diaso Death: Panel Releases Findings

The Lagos division of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has asserted that the elevator responsible for the tragic demise of Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital on Lagos Island was inadequate for safe operation.

Prompted by the unfortunate passing of Diaso, a medical intern at the hospital, the association initiated an inquiry to unravel the circumstances leading to her untimely death.

Comprising a panel of 11 individuals, including impartial doctors, legal experts, and engineers, the investigative committee is chaired by Saheed Babajide.

The incident occurred when the elevator plummeted from the tenth floor of the edifice while Diaso was inside, causing her severe injuries that ultimately proved fatal in a hospital setting.

As disclosed in the panel’s report released on Wednesday, the elevator mechanism that precipitated this tragic event “should have been deemed unsuitable for operation in order to prevent jeopardizing lives.”

The report further highlighted that both elevator systems within the facility had been experiencing unsatisfactory functionality over an extended period. This conclusion was drawn from the testimonies of two medical interns who were interviewed by panel members.

The panel said it observed that there was no verifiable maintenance structure or apparatus for the use of the lift installed at the facility.

The report noted that there was a delay in rescuing the injured late doctor while the estimated time spent in the car after the accident was about an hour.

The panel found that professional excellence was not applied in the provision of the lift system in the building.

Following its findings, the panel recommended that qualified professionals should be engaged in carrying out designs, supervision, and installation of public assets.

“Following the standards of Lagos State Safety Commission, we recommend that hospital assets be maintained and serviced by the hospital management to avoid needless bureaucracy and such assets should be certified annually by competent professionals,” the report reads.

“Upon commissioning of assets or technical equipment, the operators of the equipment must be adequately trained and retrained on safety and proper operation and handling of emergencies.

“Routine safety drills should be conducted by safety officers for all staff.”

The panel also recommended the investigation of all stakeholders and contractors involved and the prosecution of anyone found culpable.

The recommendations also include naming the house officers’ quarters at General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island after the deceased, to immortalise her.