Twitter users have turned to the platform to express their feelings regarding the tragic passing of a young doctor named Dr. Umoh Michael. He sadly lost his life on Sunday, allegedly due to working a grueling 72-hour shift.
Reports suggest that Michael passed away during a church service held at the United Evangelical Church on September 17. It was revealed that he had undertaken an uninterrupted 72-hour shift at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, where he served as a resident doctor.
Doctors from the Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH chapter, expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to LUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo. They confirmed that the young doctor had been excessively overworked, stating that he had returned home at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday after enduring a strenuous 72-hour shift at the hospital, with hardly any time for rest in their apartment that day.
The statement issued partly stated, “We, the house officers, are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague, Dr. Umoh Michael, who was also a co-house officer. He passed away on September 17, 2023, following a grueling 72-hour shift in the Neurosurgery Unit.
“It has been reported that he had been on duty for 72 hours before returning home on Sunday morning to prepare for a church service. Upon reaching his place of worship, the United Evangelical Church, he unfortunately collapsed within the church premises around 11 a.m.
“His roommate confirmed that Umoh Michael had hardly had any rest in their shared apartment over the past week, as he was consistently on call. Even on the day he returned home, it was approximately 3 a.m. after performing surgeries and engaging in other activities within the Neurosurgery Unit.”
In response to the tragic event, LUTH’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Fakeye, addressed the situation on an online platform (not PUNCH Online). She stated, “There is no truth to the claim that anyone worked continuously for 72 hours. I have not received any information regarding his passing.
“We attended a program yesterday (Monday), but I will investigate further. I am unable to provide any details at this moment. I will review the medical report to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, as anyone can make claims, but the medical report will provide the facts.”
Twitter users have taken to the platform to express their concerns regarding the alleged mistreatment of doctors.
One user, drfynrekins, tweeted, “I extend my respect to my fellow Hippocratic colleague and bid him farewell on his journey to the beyond. I hope #nmanigeria will strongly advocate for and protect these young doctors. These losses are heartbreaking and unacceptable. They will further deplete the already limited number of medical practitioners in Nigeria and discourage those still in medical school. Regrettably, it’s the young doctors who bear the brunt of the healthcare system’s deterioration in Nigeria, but this trend must be halted.”
Another user, Doingood, shared, “We all need rest. Employers, please assist us. May his soul rest in peace.”
OgechukwuChime tweeted, “He was taking care of others and forgot to take care of himself.”
Kuwait_magic also expressed, “He sacrificed his own life in the process of saving the lives of others. God knows I can’t be this selfless. I can’t risk my life to save yours.”
Camax3000 penned, “Rest in Peace, overworked.”
Mazi_Ibem urged, “The Lagos State Government should consider recruiting more doctors from the already saturated labor market to provide assistance. The constant strain on these doctors adversely impacts their own health.”
JoelUdanyi commented, “This is a tragic outcome, a consequence of the health institution being understaffed…what else could it be?”
Kasalimi2029 tweeted, “In a rational setting, working beyond 11:30 is deemed unlawful. You are also entitled to a one-hour break.”
