Family of Three-Year Old Boy Demands Justice over Medical Negligence

The attention of Lagos State Ministry of Health has been drawn to a news report in news media on September 25, 2022 titled, ‘Family of Three-Year Old Boy who Died in Lagos Hospital Demand Justice’; wherein 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.

The State Government in a statement by Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi expressed its heartfelt condolence to the family of the deceased and pray for the repose of the soul of the departed.

The government noted that the incident which occurred between Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September, 2022 is rather unfortunate, and sad.

However, 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, the government has 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”.

The State government 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”.

It’s added that out will continue to vigorously implement policies and strategies geared towards preventing and halting maternal and child mortality in the center of excellence.