A tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s medical community as a Nigerian doctor has lost his life after reportedly being denied sick leave.
The heartbreaking news announced by his colleague, Dr Richard Chukwuezi, and sparked widespread reactions, raising concerns about the working conditions of healthcare professionals in the country.
Dr Richard, who mourned the doctor named Dr. Joe Madu, took to his social media page as he shared screenshots of their chats. In their conversation, Dr Joe complained that he had a serious cough and chest pain.
Dr. Richard wrote, “Dr Joe Madu We’re all still in shock your country failed you, the health system you sacrificed your life for failed you too. We know you’re now in a place of rest. So sad to say, but rest in power bro.”
“So you study under mad pressure for 7-10yrs. You graduate to 24hrs -48hrs no rest. under a community of nosocomials. Then when the doctor request for sick Leave, it’s annulled with a threat. But who gonna pay for the loss of a life of a doctor that a family fought so hard to produce. What a loss!”
See the post below:
Some reactions are shown below:
ebereayoka said, “Omo, why can’t they just stay at home and not come to work. Anything that wants to happen when he resumes should happen.”
priestess11 said, “Them no gree and you no go??? This is so heartbreaking 💔.”
lois_juliak said, “This is not ordinary death because in this country way Doctors sabi cover for each other on shift even we nurses when we Dey sick we de exchange shift that is if we don’t want to take sick leave oo so someone say no to you and you stayed naaa this story is not complete because I will leave that work place and never return there is more to this than just denial of sick leave.”
victorvitalmusic said, “you’re a doctor with your license person no gree give you sick leave you still Dey there… people joking with your lives… me once I’m feeling some type of way, if my Boss like let heaven fall down, I’m off…. Once you d i e, next week someone is taking your place.”
drbammys_couture said, “As a house officer in one of the Lagos State General hospital, I recall a consultant telling me he didn’t care that I had a fibular fracture and was out of work for months. Hmmmm! In the profession ehn, Na doctors dey do themselves pass.”
iamwittyposh said, “No man born of a woman will ever deny me sick leave, to h£ll with you and your employment…. Rest in power Doc🥺😭.”