Doctors' Strike 'Kills' 300 Level Law Student In Abuja

A 300 levels law student of Base University, Abuja, Matthias Okechukwu has died after failing to get medical attention due to the ongoing doctors' strike.

The father of the deceased, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who is also National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), revealed his son's death while lamenting the six-weeks-old doctor' industrial action.

After falling ill late Matthias was treated at a private hospital in Abuja but needed specialist attention at the National Hospital after his condition worsened, reported.

“Matthias actually suffers from muscular dystrophy and developed a crisis on Saturday, August 9th and was quickly rushed to a private clinic in Garki and the doctor on duty referred us to the National Hospital, Abuja, saying that the machine capable of restoring his normal breathing could only be found at the National Hospital," Okechukwu said.

“On getting to the National Hospital, the only doctor found on duty battled to save Matthias but couldn't do much, as she couldn't reach the equipment in the Pediatric Department to resuscitate Matthias."

The bereaved father believes that his son would have been saved if there was no strike going on.

“So had it not been for the strike, adequate attention could have been paid to him.”

He urged all parties involved to find a quick resolution to the impasse.

“I therefore passionately plead that the government and the doctors should in the interest of Nigerians quickly resolve the impasse,” he said.

The striking doctors are demanding improved welfare package in the health sector and their industrial action has entered its sixth week.