A doctor reportedly died in LUTH after working for 72 hours. His death was mysterious, and members of the House of Representatives now want to investigate it.
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the death of Dr. Michael Umoh, a personnel at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, who died on duty.
The resolution was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Adedayo Adesola (APC-Lagos State) at plenary on Tuesday.
Mr. Adesola moved the motion. He says medical personnel are the fulcrum of the healthcare delivery system.
According to him, this important role doctors play could not be overemphasised.
Avoidable Deaths
He recalled that on September 17, Umoh, a medical officer on residency programme in the LUTH reportedly died after spending 72 hours on duty in the Neurosurgery unit of the institution.
According to him, there is a recent related incident of a young female medical doctor who lost her life due to an avoidable elevator failure in a general hospital.
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“There have been several other reports of medical personnel dying as a result of harsh working conditions and other forms of negligence, thus robbing the country of her best brains.
“Such cases have reinforced the agitation of National Association of Resident Doctors, Nigeria Medical Association and other associated bodies for improved conditions of service.
“This is seen in the recent industrial strike by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to press home their demands,” he said.
Furthermore, in his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu called for investigation into the death of the doctor in LUTH.
As a result, he mandated the Committees on Health Institutions and Labour and Employment Institutions to carry out the investigation.
They are to report back to the House within six weeks.
He said that the aim was to ensure that medical personnel in Nigeria work under favourable conditions.
