Faulty elevator death: Sanwo-Olu mourns Diaso, as FCCPC, LASCOPA commence investigation
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of a medical doctor, Dr. Vwaere Diaso, describing her death as shocking and a colossal loss to the health sector in the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on his verified social media handles on Wednesday, said he has taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the ugly incident.
Recall that a faulty elevator within the premises of General Hospital Odan, Lagos had resulted in the death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso.
Dr. Vwaere Diaso, who was conducting her housemanship medical training at the medical facility, was a passenger in the elevator that malfunctioned.
She died as result of fatal injuries sustained on account of the unfortunate accident.
Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends and colleagues, particularly the Nigeria Medical Association, Medical Guild, doctors, and healthcare professionals in Lagos State.
He said, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken due to a mechanical failure within the elevator at the Doctors’ quarters of the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island. It is distressing to think that such a promising young doctor had her life cut short in such a devastating manner.
“As a parent myself, I cannot help but feel the pain and sorrow that Dr. Diaso’s loved ones must be experiencing during this difficult time. My heart goes out to her parents, family members, friends, and colleagues who are grieving this profound loss.
“To the Nigeria Medical Association, the Medical Guild, and all doctors in Lagos State, I extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a fellow healthcare professional is a tremendous loss for the entire medical community.
“In light of this tragedy, I have taken immediate action to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the mechanical failure. It is my sincere commitment that this investigation will be conducted with utmost transparency and fairness, leaving no room for any biases or favoritism.
“Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.
“May Dr. Vwaere Diaso’s soul rest in eternal peace,” He prayed.
In a related development, LASCOPA and FCCPC have commenced a joint investigation to review the circumstances surrounding this incident, particularly, but not limited to the relevant service provider(s) responsible for installation and service/maintenance of the elevator or related equipment.
In a joint statement issued by the two agencies, they noted that “relevant agencies and authorities of Lagos State are currently fully engaged and involved in addressing this sad occurrence and emergent situation.”
The agencies added that they have been in constant communication with respect to appropriate consumer protection regulatory intervention or action.
Meanwhile, House officers at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island have embarked on a protest yesterday to demand justice for the deceased.
Diaso died on August 1 after the elevator she had taken to pick up her food from a vendor fell from the 10th floor, killing her.
In a video shared on Twitter by Omolyawoli, House officers could be seen marching outside the hospital building with placards that carry messages such as, “It could have been me” and “The system is rigged against young doctors,” while they chanted: “All we are saying, give us justice.”
