By Daniel Kanu, Assistant Politics Editor
Lagos State Commissioner for health, Dr Jide Idris has described the act of extortion by medical officials who are collecting fees before treatment from the survivors of the Wednesday’s Ita Faji, Lagos state building collapse as unethical and criminal.
He disclosed this when he visited the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island Friday, March 15, 2019 where most of the victims are currently receiving treatment.
The Niche gathered that some victims’ relations alleged that they were made to part with some money before treatment commenced.
The Commissioner who went round the victim’s ward sympathised with them, assuring that government would be there for them at this time of need.
He warned that any medical official who extorts money from the patients as against the free treatment announced by governor Akinwunmi Ambode would be dealt with.
Idris also called for caution on donation of blood, urging donors to go through the right channel which is the Lagos State blood transfusion service.
Former governor of Lagos state, and national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, had urged Lagosians to come forward to donate blood for the victims.
The minister of health, Isaac Adewole who also visited the hospital said that the federal government would support the state in the treatment of the victims.
One of the children, four-year old Joshua Ogunbanwo, who is seriously suffering from limbs injury will not be discharged until his surgical operation is done.
Three adults and 10 children are said to be currently receiving treatment at the General hospital, Odan. Lagos Island. So far, 20 people have lost their lives in the incident.
