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Lagos NMA constitutes 10-member panel to probe death of late member

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has begun an inquiry into the cause of death of Dr Vwaere Diaso, who died when an elevator collapsed at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, on Tuesday.

The investigative panel which began its sitting at the weekend comprises six doctors, two engineers and two legal practitioners.

Chairman of the panel, Dr Babajide Saheed, informed that the panel is expected to engage all stakeholders to investigate the cause of the incident with a view to preventing future occurrences.

While appealing to members of the public to come forward with useful information on the elevator or activities within the doctors’ quarters, he said: “The NMA Lagos Independent Investigative Panel was set up to look into the death of Daiso, which occurred on August 1, 2023, due to a trapped elevator at the General Hospital Lagos.

“The panel comprises doctors, engineers and lawyers because it involves a mechanical device – the elevator. The engineers are from the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

“There are representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, because it is a legal issue. Medical information and engineering information relating to the elevator and other things will be provided. Rules and laws that guide the information will be given by the lawyers in this panel.

“We intend to find the root cause analysis of the incident and engage all stakeholders involved because this will make us invite the relevant agencies and the users of the premise.

Also, anybody involved in the human resources and maintenance of the building will be invited. The panel is also to make recommendations to the NMA Lagos and to prevent future occurrences.

“While we have been given one week, I use this opportunity to tell anyone that has information pertaining to the elevator or activities at the doctors’ quarters in the General Hospital Lagos to come forward because we want to make it holistic.”

Speaking on the aim of the panel, representative of the NBA, Lagos branch, Nonso Azih disclosed is to have a holistic approach, to investigate and ask the necessary questions.

He said, “We intend to invite some stakeholders to tell us what they know about the incident. The essence is to ensure that whatever report we come up with, whatever information we dig up, whatever recommendations we make, we will try and follow up to ensure that it is not swept under the carpet because I know that the public has a high expectation.”

Members of the panel include the Chairman, Dr Babajide Saheed; and Secretary, Dr Hassan Jimoh. Other members include Dr Tajudeen Salau, Dr Goke Akinrogun, Dr Ibironke Sodeinde, Dr Anthony Okeke, Engineer Akpan Victor, Engineer Adebayo Oke, Mr. Nonso Azih and Mr. Hajara Yairo.

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