Lagos Govt Orders  Investigation Into  Death Of 3-year Old Boy

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SAnwo-Olu

By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos

Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, has directed that an independent investigation be carried out into the death of a three-year old boy  in a Lagos-owned hospital. 

Abayomi communicated his decision in a statement titled, “Re: Family of Three-year Old Boy Who Died in Lagos Hospital Demand Justice,” which he issued on 28th September 2022.

He said the attention of Lagos State Ministry of Health had been drawn to a news report published in a newspaper on September 25, 2022 titled, ‘Family of Three-Year Old Boy who Died in Lagos Hospital Demand Justice’.

Abayomi said that it was reported that a three-year old child died of negligence and misconduct at one of the Lagos State Government-owned secondary care facilities, the Eti-Osa Maternal and Childcare Centre, Lekki-Ajah.

He said, “While expressing condolence to the family of the deceased and praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, he said that the incident which occurred between Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September, 2022 is rather unfortunate, and sad.”

He stated that for the avoidance of doubt, it is pertinent to note that the management of the facility had also officially reported the incident to the Ministry while investigation into the allegation and the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident has since commenced at the facility level.

 “In the same vein, I have also requested an independent investigation into the incident. Our investigation will include an autopsy, a review of medical records of the patient and additional documents, enquiries from medical staff who attended to the deceased, and parents of the child.

“Without pre-empting the outcome of the on-going investigation, I would like to state that this is a Coroner’s inquest case, which is why an autopsy has been requested to determine the actual cause of death. I therefore sue for calm and assure members of the public of our commitment to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation into the incident, and make available the outcome of the investigation.

 “Our resolve to halt avoidable deaths of neonates, infants and children is unshaken. We will continue to vigorously implement policies and strategies geared towards preventing and halting maternal and child mortality in the center of excellence. Once again, I commiserate with the family of the deceased, and request for their full cooperation whenever they are called upon in the course of the investigation,” the health commissioner stated.

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