Midnight Fire Destroys Therapy Building at Yaba Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Lagos
A devastating midnight fire at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba (FNPHY) in Lagos has severely damaged the Occupational Therapy building, compounding existing challenges at the tertiary care facility. The blaze, which erupted shortly before midnight on Sunday, consumed offices and patients' rehabilitation equipment valued at millions of naira, leaving the upper floor completely razed and adjacent areas in ruins.
Extensive Damage to Critical Facilities
When visited at dawn on Monday, the scene revealed extensive destruction: the gym, treatment rooms, and adjoining research offices were badly damaged, with the roof suffering significant harm. Sympathisers gathered, expressing shock at the losses, while some workers remained in the affected Physiotherapy Department despite safety concerns. Initial investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered by an electrical surge in the gym area, though the exact cause remains unclear.
Firefighters and hospital staff managed to contain the fire to one floor, but not before it spread rapidly. Notably, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were not initially alerted to the emergency, raising questions about response protocols.
Hospital Management Responds to the Crisis
Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, the Medical Director, confirmed that the fire started around 11:00 p.m. in the Occupational Therapy building, which housed computer systems, sewing machines, tie-dye materials, and gym equipment. "No one knew what caused the fire. The fire occurred when no one was in the building," he stated. An alarm was raised by the maintenance section, prompting the Federal Fire Service in Ojuelegba to arrive within 30 minutes, but by then, the damage had already spread.
Owoeye added that the Lagos State Fire Service later joined the operation but had to withdraw around 1:00 a.m. to refill their water supply before returning. To ensure safety, he directed that no staff should remain in the building and instructed the Director of Administration to enforce compliance, addressing concerns over workers' presence at the site.
Underlying Operational Struggles Exposed
A senior medical practitioner at the hospital described the fire as a significant setback, revealing deeper operational difficulties. "This facility has been disconnected from public power for over a year," the practitioner explained. "The management routinely runs the generator for only three or four hours daily, ending at about 1.00 p.m. Whenever the generator goes off, that is the end of the day's business for resident doctors."
The practitioner lamented the impact on patient care, noting that nurses and admitted patients suffer when power is cut. "Patients are paying a lot, yet they complain about the quality of the environment, care, and meals. The wards, without a regular supply, are not conducive to safety," they said. With limited resources, replacing the destroyed department poses a daunting challenge, exacerbating staff morale issues and contributing to the brain drain of medical professionals leaving the country.
A staff member highlighted the unusual nature of the incident, pointing out that the affected section does not operate on weekends, adding to the mystery of the fire's origin. As investigations continue, the hospital faces the dual task of recovery and addressing systemic issues that have long plagued its operations.
