Ita-Faaji collapsed building: Lagos confirms death of 20 persons

LAGOS, Nigeria – The Honourable minister of Health, Professor  Isaac Adewole, on Friday commended Lagos state for its prompt and effective response as well as efficient health care  management of survivors of the collapsed building at Lagos island.

Speaking in Lagos when he paid a visit to the victims at  the Lagos Island General Hospital, Prof. Adewole said, “I’m greatly impressed by the promptness of the emergency response of the state  and the effecient health care deployed to  ensure that the survivors of the sad incident are stabilised and kept alive.

“I recommend that this proactive system be adopted by all states in the federation to reduce mortality during emergencies.’ he said.

He also appreciated the state government for granting free medical care to the victims  in order to remove any barriers to prompt, qualitative  and comprehensive care needful for the rehabilitation of victims.

Responding, Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, thanked  the Minister and siezed the opportunity to address the issue of the rumor that some of the survivors were being charged for health care. He said he earlier refuted this allegation based on the clear directive of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, which was passed on to all government owned facilities.

He, however, warned that any government official caught extorting any survivor or demanding for gratification will be made to face strict disciplinary actions. He said, “demanding that survivors who are already traumatised to pay for medical bills is not only unethical but also criminal.”

He called on family members who have evidence of such extortion to contact the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Titilayo Goncalves, on O8023049478 with authentic proof.

Idris also expressed appreciation to some   corporate organisations particularly MTN Foundation, Shell and other well meaning individuals who have been donating items and other forms of support for the treatment of the survivors.

Nonetheless, Idris appealled that the donations be well coordinated  and properly channelled for reasons of transparency and accountability.

Earlier, Dr. Idris revealed that it was unfortunate and sad that 20 corpses were brought to Lagos state mortuaries from the site. 45 survivors were received and were managed by  government Health facilities, notably Lagos Island General Hospital, Massey Street Children hospital, Onikan Health Centre., Gbagada General Hospital, LASUTH , National Orthopedic hospital, Igbobi and LUTH.

He commiserated with bereaved families and reiterated the state government’s s continued  commitment to the welfare of its citizens. As at Friday morning, he said that 14 (10 children and 4 adults) were still receiving medical attention at Lagos Island General Hospital for various levels of injury. 

According to the Medical Director of Lagos Island General Hospital, Dr. Ismail Ganikale, more survivors  will still be discharged from the hospital to their families before the close of work on Friday.