Reps to probe Lagos Hospital over robbery victim’s death

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate alleged negligence by R-Jolad Hospital in Gbagada, Lagos State for allegedly refusing to treat a victim of armed robbery attack, Moradeun Balogun, leading to her death.

It mandated the Committee on Healthcare Services to expeditiously investigate the alleged refusal of the Management of R-Jolad hospital to provide immediate medical attention to Balogun on arrival to the hospital which eventually led to her untimely death and report back to the House as soon as possible.

The House equally directed the Inspector General of Police to “investigate, arrest and to prosecute all the perpetrators of this heinous act in line with the relevant provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 and the Criminal Code Act“.

These resolutions were sequel to a motion brought by Olawale Raji (APC, Lagos), wherein he informed the House that “the report of the armed robbery attack on Miss Moradeun Balogun on December 2, 2019, in the Gbagada area of Lagos, consequent upon which she was rushed by patriotic citizens to R-Jolad hospital, which was the nearest hospital to the scene of the attack, but unfortunately she was refused medical attention resulting to her untimely death due to excessive loss of blood”.

According to the lawmaker, “the alleged refusal of medical attention to the victim is a violation of the Compulsory Treatment and Care of Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017. It’s saddening that seven (7) days after the incident, no arrest has been made by the Nigerian Police.

“The conduct of Doctors/Hospitals in refusing medical attention to victims of gunshots and fatal attacks is a breach of the Hippocratic Oath sworn to by medical practitioners on induction.

“If the provisions of the relevant laws are enforced and punitive actions were taken against erring doctors and hospitals by the police and medical/professional bodies respectively, this rising tide will long be abated”.