COLLAPSED MOSQUE: LASUTH CLARIFIES CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING TREATMENT OF GIRL-CHILD VICTIM
Says she was discharged based on medical assessments
By Ajape Sefiu A.
The management of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has clarified the controversy surrounding the eviction story of girl-child victim of mosque collapse in Papa-Ajao, Mushin, Naheemah Lasisi, whose two legs were amputated.
Recall that an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in a statement released on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, signed by the group’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, expressed dissatisfaction over the discharge of a 13-year-old victim of the collapsed mosque, Naeemat Lasisi, by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.
Confirming the discharge, the victim’s parents said they are now back home with Naheemah, in what they termed a “premature discharge” by the hospital on Tuesday, July 9.
On the contrary, the hospital, however, stated in a press release published on its social media handles that the child was not evicted but discharged based on medical assessments and in the best interest of the patient.
The statement partly read, “It is important to emphasise that decisions regarding patient discharge are made based on medical assessments and the best interest of the patient. The allegation that we are “threatening” to discharge the patient prematurely is unfounded. We follow a thorough process to ensure that each patient is ready for discharge, which includes arranging for follow-up care and support.”
LASUTH also disclosed that plans have been finalised on availing Naheemah appropriate prostheses as and when due, which was one of the major issues of concern for the parents, whose two other children (minors) also sustained injuries in the mosque that collapsed on Sunday, May 26, after an excavator wrongly hit the foundation of the mosque.
“In this case, management ensured the provision of a wheelchair and other mobility support for the patient following her successful surgeries and has also concluded arrangements to ensure the provision of appropriate prosthesis.”
LASUTH’s statement also stated in the press release that taking videos is not allowed in the hospital wards but was silent on the allegations of conducting “an arranged/forced interview” with the victim and assaulting MURIC official, Mr. Lawal AbdulFatah, who was invited by Naheemah’s parents to also interview the victim.
“In LASUTH, we do not allow videos taken in our wards. This is purely an ethical and private issue. There are signages all over which clearly state this position. We will continue to exhibit professionalism and never discuss details of our patients’ medical conditions publicly,” the statement read in parts.
Read the full statement by LASUTH HERE
We’ve gifted the family N1.5m—Mushin LG
It was gathered that Naheemah’s parents received a total of N1 million in donations from Mushin Local Government as compensation. This was after the Chairman had already given the family five hundred thousand naira (N500,000).
Mr. Lasisi confirmed receiving monetary donation, stressing that despite being in great need at the moment, priority should be focused on Naheemah’s well-being and the security of her future.
According to him, this is not an attempt to undermine the kind gestures from the government and well-meaning individuals who have garnered support around the family so far, but our concerns are borne out of concern for the wellbeing of our child and the uncertainties that await her in the near future.
Naheemah’s father told our reporter on Tuesday, July 9, in an interview that he has been unable work since the incident happened, adding that the family is being catered for with the money received from Mushin Local Government chairman.
Priority should be focused on Naheemah’s well-being: Parents
He added, “What we want is for the State and Mushin Local government to come to our rescue on the case of Naheemah. We are not asking for money; although the money given so far has been helpful, it is been used to cater for the family and for the treatment of her younger siblings, Aliyah and Abdul-Basit, who were also affected in the incident.
“What we actually want on Naheemah’s case is that her treatment continues and that government provides for her education and give scholarship.
“We don’t mean to antagonize the government and we are not denying all that has been done to date. I’m a tricycle operator, but I’ve been unable to work since the incident happened. The owner of the tricycle has even taken it from me, so the money came in handy.
“However, Naheemah’s health and well-being, considering the fact that she’s a sickle cell (SS) patient, will be an issue of great concern to any parent. Moreover, the realities surrounding Naheemah now is a sustained treatment and that is our utmost concern, then her mobility and education. If these three concerns are fulfilled, it will gladden our hearts.”
“Naheemah became a responsibility of the state, the day that unpleasant event happened. So, her needs should be attended to as such. We appreciate everyone who has gotten across to the family. We therefore call on Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu led-administration to listen to our plea and award Naheemah scholarship,” he added.
