Just In : LUTH Reacts To Reports Late Doctor Worked 72-hour Call Duty
The management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, has refuted allegations that one of its house officers, Dr. Michael Umoh, passed away after a 72-hour duty shift.
In a statement released by the LUTH management team in Lagos on Thursday, they clarified the circumstances surrounding Dr. Umoh’s demise.
“LUTH management acknowledges the grieving period the family of Dr. Umoh is presently going through and has requested a halt to any media engagement regarding the matter. However, it is important for us to set the record straight regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Dr. Umoh passed away on September 17 while he was at church with his parents. The management was notified, and his passing was later confirmed by one of the Consultants in his unit (Neurosurgery).
While Dr. Umoh’s passing is a great loss, the claim of a 72-hour continuous duty shift is untrue. According to records from the Neurosurgery unit, the last time he was on call was on September 13th and 14th, 2023. He was not on call on the 15th, 16th, and 17th (the day he passed away), contrary to what has been insinuated on social media. He was at home with his parents on September 16th and 17th.
Before this time, he was on call on September 7th and 8th. This indicates that Dr. Umoh was on call for a total of four days in September 2023.
A delegation from LUTH visited the family on Wednesday to offer condolences and to gather more details about the circumstances of his passing. While the parents shared what they believed might have contributed to his passing, they requested that the family’s wishes be respected and that the details not be made public.
Dr. Umoh was known as a hardworking and dedicated house officer, and a very promising young man. His loss is deeply felt by his friends and colleagues.
May his soul rest in peace, and may the Almighty grant the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” LUTH stated.
