House Investigates Untimely Death of Medical Personnel in Lagos

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the death of a medical personnel at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Michael Umoh, who reportedly died after spending 72 hours on duty in the Neurosurgery Unit of the institution.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion moved at plenary yesterday, by Hon. Adedayo Adesola.

 Moving the motion, Adesola, pointed out that on September 17, 2023, Umoh, a medical officer on residency programme in LUTH, reportedly died after spending 72 hours on duty in the Neurosurgery unit.

The lawmaker also recalled the incident of a young female medical doctor who lost her life due to elevator failure in a general Hospital, which could have been avoided with improved working conditions.

Adesola expressed concern that 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.

He noted that such similar cases have reinforced the agitation of National Association of Resident Doctors, Nigeria Medical Association and other associated bodies for improved conditions of service as evidenced by the recent industrial strike embarked upon by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to press home their demands;

To this end, the House mandated, “the Committee on Health Institutions to investigate the anomalous deaths of Dr. Michael Umoh, a medical personnel at the LUTH to ensure that medical personnel in Nigeria work under favourable conditions and report back within six  weeks for further legislative action.”