Chimamanda’s Son: Euracare Backs Suspended Doctors, Raises Procedural Concern Over Probe

Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has expressed confidence in two of its doctors affected by an interim suspension order issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDCN), following ongoing proceedings over the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In a statement signed by its management on Tuesday, the hospital said it had taken note of widespread media reports regarding the panel’s decision to suspend 13 doctors, including Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare, both members of its clinical staff.

Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of twins, died on 7 January this year after complications arose during preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.

The MDCN investigation panel determined that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against three doctors: Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare; Dr. Titus Ogundare, Anaesthesiologist at Euracare; and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.

The three doctors have all been suspended from practising medicine pending the determination of their cases by a disciplinary tribunal.

However, Euracare said while it remained fully committed to cooperating with all relevant regulatory and judicial authorities in the course of their inquiries, it has confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the two doctors, describing them as experienced practitioners with records of service spanning many years.

“Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities,” the statement read.

Euracare further disclosed that since the commencement of the matter, it had undertaken a thorough internal review of the clinical events in line with its clinical governance standards and global best practices.

The hospital said it had demonstrated commitment to transparency and would continue to engage openly with all inquiries directed at it.

It also raised concerns about lapses in established processes and protocols during the proceedings.

According to the management, certain matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appeared to have been disclosed outside appropriate channels, a development it termed a serious breach.

“It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement added.

The hospital said it stood by the principles of equality, fairness and good governance, stressing that every party involved, including its institution and staff, was entitled to a process conducted with rigour, impartiality and respect for due process.

It said it would raise its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory channels.

Euracare further expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased child, noting that the loss of a child was a grief without measure.

“We continue to empathise with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The loss of a child is a grief without measure, and we carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter,” the management stated.