Posted by Ms. Greatness Olorunfemi was killed by “one-chance operators,” and the FCTA has established a nine-member commission to probe her death.
The group was officially inaugurated on Thursday in Abuja by the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who noted that the panel’s conclusions will go a long way toward charting the means of improving and achieving efficient health care delivery.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olorunfemi was thrown out of a moving car by ‘one-chance operators’ on September 26 and later died due to the hospital’s claimed failure to treat her injuries.
Olorunfemi was an active community builder and YALI Network member before her untimely passing.
Witnesses claim that she did not survive her experience at the hands of the thugs because Maitama District Hospital in Abuja refused to take her in and treat her.
According to Fasawe, the panelists were selected to contribute by bringing to bear their wealth of expertise through careful study and conversation in order to determine what caused the occurrence and suggest solutions.
To investigate this matter and bring about justice, this panel will play a pivotal role.
We have looked at the legal requirements for forming such a panel, how to select and form a nine-member panel, and what the panel’s duties will be in investigating the alleged death and enforcing accountability.
“The goal is to gain an in-depth understanding of the steps involved in addressing such incidents and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in the Nigerian healthcare system,” he explained.
Fasawe urged the panel members to consider the probe as a noble service to the country and to do it in a methodical, professional, and timely manner.
The panel’s Terms of Reference (ToR) include determining the patient’s clinical status upon arrival and tracking their condition until their death, as stated by the panel’s secretary.
The purpose of this investigation is not only to ascertain who was at fault for Olorunfemi’s untimely demise, but also to provide recommendations for future cases of this nature.
According to her, one week is allotted for the probe and report.
Prof. Aminu Mohammed, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the panel’s chairman, praised the initiative that led to the formation of the investigation team.
He argued that this kind of action from the government, civil society organizations, and the general public will restore faith in the system because it directly impacts people’s lives and well-being.
On behalf of the members, I pledge that we will carry out the oath we have taken today as we are sworn into office.
A critical analysis of the system will inform a judgment, and preliminary investigations will be conducted on anyone suspected of involvement.
Panelists also include Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Dr. Abdul Adelowo, President of the Association of Pathologists of Nigeria (ASSOPON), and Mr. Micheal Nnachi, President of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).
Among them are Barrister Salman Dako, General Counsel of the FCTA, Dr. Ochi Christabel, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Ahmadu, HS and ES, Dr. Ezuma Nnamdi, Vice President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), and Dr. Abubakar Ahmadu.
Secretary of the panel will be Gloria Dandam, Director of Administration of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.