Uchendu Alexis
Dr. Umoh Michael, a dedicated medical doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, tragically collapsed and passed away during a Sunday church service. This heartbreaking incident followed his exhaustive 72-hour shift at the neurosurgery unit without taking a break.
The Association of Resident Doctors conveyed this distressing news in a letter addressed to LUTH’s chief medical director on Tuesday, September 19. Titled “An Appeal By The House Officers Of LUTH,” the letter illuminated the challenges faced by house officers at the hospital and the circumstances leading to Dr. Umoh Michael’s untimely demise.
The letter stated, “We the house officers are in deep grief over the loss of our colleague, a co-House officer (Dr. Umoh Michael) who died on 17th September, 2023, after having a 72hrs call in Neurosurgery Unit. He is said to have been on call 72hrs before arriving home on Sunday morning to get set for church service, reaching his worship center (United Evangelical Church) where he slumped in the church at about 11 am.”
The house officers demanded changes to these conditions, including reduced call hours, better accommodation, and a more supportive environment.
