The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps member, Etimbuk Daniel Sunday, at the NYSC orientation camp in Enugu State.
The lawmakers also expressed concern over the medical attention provided to the deceased before his death and reports that his body was handed over to his family naked and with visible bruises.
The House took the decision during plenary on Tuesday after adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the Chairman of its Committee on Public Procurement, Idem Unyime.
Sunday, a former Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University, reportedly visited the camp clinic on October seventh after developing symptoms suspected to be malaria or typhoid.
He was said to have received initial treatment and was discharged with oral medication.
However, concerns have emerged over the treatment administered, the deterioration of his condition and an alleged delay in referring him to a hospital.
The lawmakers said an independent and impartial investigation was necessary to determine whether appropriate medical procedures were followed and whether an earlier hospital referral could have prevented his death.
The House subsequently mandated its Committees on Youth Development, Health Care Services, Police Affairs and Human Rights to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and submit their findings within four weeks.
The joint committees are expected to examine the medical care provided to Sunday, the response to his deteriorating condition, the alleged delay in referring him to a hospital and the circumstances surrounding the release of his body to his family.The investigation will also determine whether any lapses occurred in the camp’s medical response and establish responsibility if wrongdoing is found.Beyond the incident, the House urged the Federal Ministries of Youth Development and Health and Social Welfare, alongside the NYSC Directorate, to review healthcare delivery and emergency response arrangements at orientation camps across the country.The lawmakers emphasised the need for adequately equipped clinics, qualified medical personnel, effective emergency procedures and prompt referrals to hospitals whenever corps members require specialised medical attention.
