Diaso Vwaere: NMA sets up panel to investigate doctor’s death in elevator

The Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has taken swift action by inaugurating a panel to investigate the tragic death of Diaso Vwaere, a medical doctor, in an elevator accident at General Hospital, Lagos Island.

The incident, reported by TheCable, occurred when the elevator suddenly fell from the 10th floor of the building on Tuesday while Diaso, who was undergoing her horsemanship at the hospital, was inside.

According to reports, she was heading to the ground floor to collect a delivery from a dispatch rider when the accident happened. The elevator was known to have faults, and staff members had previously lodged complaints about it.

The panel of inquiry, formed on Thursday, is an independent committee comprising professionals from the NMA, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). Saheed Babajide Saheed will serve as the chairman, with Akinrogunde Goke, Hassan JImoh, Tajudeen Salau, Ibironke Shodeinde, and Okeke Anthony as members. Akpan Victor, Adebayo Oke, Nonso Azih, and Hajara Jibrin-Yaro complete the panel.

The main objective of the panel is to ascertain the root cause of the tragic incident, engaging all relevant stakeholders in the process. They are expected to provide comprehensive recommendations to the NMA based on their findings.

The inquiry team has been given a one-week timeframe to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report of their findings and recommendations to the NMA.

Following the unfortunate event, the NMA issued a statement on Wednesday directing its members at General Hospital, Odan; Lagos Island Maternity Hospital; and Massey Street Children’s Hospital to embark on an indefinite strike as a mark of respect for their deceased colleague. Emergency services are the only services allowed during this period. Additionally, the association declared a five-day statewide mourning period for the late doctor.