A devastating incident has shaken Nigeria’s medical community, as a young doctor, Dr. Joe Madu, lost his life after allegedly being denied sick leave. The heartbreaking news was shared by his colleague, Dr. Richard Chukwuezi, who expressed his grief and outrage on social media.
Dr. Richard revealed that Dr. Joe had complained about his serious health issues, including a persistent cough and chest pain, but was still denied permission to take a sick leave. This decision ultimately proved fatal, as Dr. Joe’s condition deteriorated, leading to his tragic demise.
Dr. Richard’s emotional post highlighted the systemic failures that contributed to Dr. Joe’s death. He lamented the grueling working conditions, lack of rest, and the pressure to work despite being unwell. He also questioned the value placed on the lives of healthcare professionals, asking, “Who will pay for the loss of a life of a doctor that a family fought so hard to produce?”
The news has sparked widespread outrage and sympathy, with many calling for improved working conditions, better support systems, and a more compassionate approach to healthcare professionals’ well-being.
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