BY Jesupemi Are
The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the death of Michael Umoh, a medical doctor, who died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after long hours of work.
The resolution followed the unanimous adoption of a motion by Adedayo Adesola, a member representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos, at plenary on Tuesday.
The Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH chapter, had said Umoh died after working a 72-hour shift in the hospital.
The management of the healthcare facility denied the claim.
Adesola said the importance of medical personnel in the healthcare delivery system could not be over-emphasised.
He recalled the recent death of a female medical doctor due to an elevator failure in a general hospital in Lagos, adding that it could have been avoided with improved working conditions.
“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,” NAN quoted him as saying.
“Such cases have reinforced the agitation of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and other associated bodies for improved conditions of service.
“This is seen in the recent industrial strike embarked upon by NARD to press home their demands.”
Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over the house, mandated the committees on health institutions and labour and employment institutions to carry out the investigation and report back within six weeks.
He said the aim of the probe is to ensure that medical personnel in Nigeria work under favourable conditions.
The house also observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased doctors.
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