Emmanuel OchayiLagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) has responded to the recent reports surrounding the tragic death of Dr. Michael Umoh, a house officer at the institution, clarifying key details and dispelling misleading information.
In a statement released by LUTH’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Fakeye, the hospital expressed its condolences to the grieving family of Dr. Umoh and emphasized the need to provide accurate information regarding the circumstances of his passing.
“Dr. Umoh’s death is a deeply saddening event, and our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time,” said Fakeye. “However, it is crucial to set the record straight regarding certain inaccuracies that have circulated in the media.”
According to the statement released, Dr. Umoh passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, while attending church with his parents. His death was confirmed by a consultant from the Neurosurgery unit at LUTH.
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Contrary to social media claims of a grueling 72-hour non-stop shift leading to his death, Fakeye disclosed that records from the Neurosurgery unit indicated that Dr. Umoh’s last on-call duty was on September 13th and 14th, 2023. He was not on call on September 15th, 16th, or the day of his death, September 17th. Additionally, he spent those last two days at home with his parents.
She emphasized that Dr. Umoh had been on call for a total of four days in September 2023, serving his duties diligently and responsibly.
In response to the misinformation and to offer condolences, a delegation from LUTH visited Dr. Umoh’s family on September 20, 2023. During the visit, the family shared additional details about the circumstances of his death but requested that their privacy be respected and the information not be made public.
LUTH acknowledged the family’s distress over the misinformation circulating on social media and other media outlets and called for restraint and empathy during this trying time.
Dr. Umoh was remembered as a hardworking and promising young doctor who will be deeply missed by his colleagues and friends. The hospital extended its sympathies to the family and prayed for the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
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