NMA, NBA, NSE constitute independent probe panel over death of doctor

Lagos State chapters of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) have constituted an independent panel to investigate the death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso at Lagos Island General Hospital and hold persons responsible accountable.

NMA disclosed this at its yearly general meeting, held in Lagos, yesterday.

In a statement by Publicity Secretary, Dr. Olawale Peters, the association said the unfortunate incident was a stark reminder of the need to prioritise accountability, especially in the healthcare system.

It said, although the investigative panel of the Lagos State government came out with preliminary findings and some actions were being taken, the panel of the three medical bodies will unravel the exact cause of the incident and send a powerful message that the lives of medical professionals are invaluable, and their safety must be given utmost priority.

NMA also implored members of the public with useful information about the incident to contact its social media handles or send an email.

It said: “The passing of Dr. Vwaere Diaso has cast a sombre shadow over our medical community, highlighting critical gaps in our healthcare infrastructure that require immediate attention and overhaul. Her avoidable death serves as an immediate and very clear call to action, compelling us to recommit ourselves to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.

“We must recognise that the well-being of our doctors and by extension other healthcare professionals directly impacts the quality of care they provide to our citizens. This point bears repeating all day, and every day.”

The association said having seen and read reports about the Lagos State government’s probe, there were pertinent questions that must be answered with full accountability.

It asked: “Who were colleagues writing 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 current state of things? Who signed off an uncertified contractor to buy a dysfunctional lift for a building that houses over 100 medical doctors? And who gave the doctors an accommodation that can be described as squalid and uninhabitable?”