Reps to investigate demise of medical doctor on duty in LUTH

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. Moving the motion, Adesola said that the importance of medical personnel as the fulcrum of the healthcare delivery system could not be over emphasised. He recalled that on Sept. 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 elevator failure in a general hospital, which 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; “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 embarked upon by Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to press home their demands,” he said. In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu mandated the Committees on Health Institutions and Labour and Employment Institutions to carry out the investigation and report back within six weeks. He said that the aim was to ensure that medical personnel in Nigeria work under favourable conditions. The house observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased doctors. (NAN)