The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Lagos State has unveiled its discoveries regarding the tragic elevator incident resulting in the passing of medical practitioner Vwaere Diaso at General Hospital, Lagos Island.

Diaso sustained varying degrees of injuries and was confirmed deceased following her entrapment in an elevator that plummeted from the 10th floor to ground level.

In response to Diaso's demise, NMA initiated a committee to delve into the circumstances surrounding the doctor's untimely passing while she was fulfilling her residency at the hospital.

Chaired by Saheed Babajide, the 11-member panel consists of independent medical professionals, lawyers, and engineers.

The panel's report, published recently, highlighted that the ill-fated elevator was unsuitable for use and should have been taken out of service to prevent endangering lives.

The report pointed out that both lift systems within the facility had been malfunctioning for a prolonged period. Additionally, the absence of a reliable maintenance regimen for the installed lift was noted.

The provision of the elevator system in the building was criticized for lacking professional diligence. Moreover, the report emphasized a delay in rescuing the victim and estimated her time trapped in the car to be approximately an hour.

Based on their findings, the panel suggested the involvement of qualified professionals for the design, supervision, and installation of public assets.

Furthermore, the panel advocated for a comprehensive investigation into all parties and contractors implicated, with the recommendation to prosecute those deemed responsible. As a tribute to the deceased, the panel also proposed naming the house officers' quarters at General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island, in her memory.

The report read in parts: “Following the standards of Lagos State Safety Commission, we recommend that hospital assets be maintained and serviced by the hospital management to avoid needless bureaucracy, and such assets should be certified annually by competent professionals.

“Upon commissioning of assets or technical equipment, the operators of the equipment must be adequately trained and retrained on safety and proper operation and handling of emergencies.

“Routine safety drills should be conducted by safety officers for all staff.”