Three years after the tragic death of Dr. Vwaere Diaso in a mechanical elevator failure at the General Hospital, Odan, the Association of Resident Doctors, Lagos State Health Service Commission (ARD-LSHSC) has paid tribute to her memory while renewing calls for strict workplace safety and infrastructure upgrades across health facilities in the state.

Dr. Diaso, a medical house officer who was weeks away from completing her housemanship, died on August 1, 2023, when an elevator crashed at the doctors’ quarters of the hospital.

The Incident sparked widespread outrage, administrative inquiries and industrial actions across public health institutions in Lagos.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, signed by the ARD-LSHSC Paragon Executive Council, led by President Dr. Azeezat Oyewande, Vice President I Dr. Ibironke Areago and General Secretary Dr. Oluwafemi Oluwole, the association described Dr. Diaso as a symbol of the continuous pursuit of safer hospital environments and healthcare worker welfare.

“Three years later, her memory continues to inspire healthcare workers across the country and reinforces the call for safer hospitals, functional infrastructure, regular safety audits and accountable systems that protect both healthcare professionals and the patients they serve,” the association stated.

While honoring Dr. Diaso’s legacy, the resident doctors commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for reforms implemented since the tragedy.

The association acknowledged the state government’s achievements in infrastructure expansion, healthcare workforce support and service delivery across secondary facilities.

However, the association urged the state administration to follow through on remaining commitments to healthcare personnel. Chief among these demands is the expedited completion and handover of the House Officers’ Quarters at General Hospital, Odan.

The association outlined key policy priorities to protect the health workforce, including, timely completion of the House Officers’ Quarters at General Hospital Lagos, Odan.Expansion and continuous delivery of existing welfare packages for medical staff. Implementation of preventative mechanisms to eradicate workplace harassment and maintenance of secure, well-equipped, and supportive operational conditions in state facilities.

The ARD-LSHSC emphasized that resident doctors remain the primary workforce driving service delivery, clinical research and training across Lagos State’s secondary healthcare system.

The association stressed that protecting and motivating medical professionals is essential to maintaining a resilient healthcare infrastructure.

“These actions are essential not only to honour the memory of Dr. Vwaere Diaso but also to safeguard the wellbeing, dignity, and productivity of the healthcare workforce upon which our healthcare system depends,” the statement read.

Reaffirming their commitment to quality patient care, the association noted that Dr. Diaso’s legacy endures through the ongoing struggle to elevate standards of accountability and safety in Nigerian healthcare institutions. (The Guardian)

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