Olugbenga Ige
The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that reportedly led to the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
PUNCH Online had reported on Thursday that the toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died after a brief illness.
Adichie, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to the author, the child initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later deteriorated rapidly into a severe infection.
Reacting to the allegation, Euracare Hospital, where the child was reportedly treated, said it had commenced an internal investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable,” while maintaining that some reports surrounding the incident contained inaccuracies.
Euracare described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by internationally trained and experienced professionals.
The hospital explained that the child was critically ill and had been referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two other paediatric centres.
It added that its medical team provided immediate care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, working collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by the family.
However, the hospital disclosed that the child died less than 24 hours after arriving at the facility.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government said it had been formally notified of the “deeply distressing” report by Adichie concerning the tragic death of her son following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility on January 6.
In a statement on Saturday signed by the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the state government expressed its condolences to the author and her family, describing the death of a child as a profound tragedy.
“The Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state,” the statement read.
The government disclosed that the governor had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the statement, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the case.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” the statement said.
The statement said that the agency will also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional investigation.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.
The state government assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be sanctioned in accordance with existing laws.
It also urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing.
The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and rights of all residents and strengthening oversight of medical practice in the state.
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