A former President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Francis Faduyile, has warned against what he described as a “media trial” in the case involving renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Euracare Hospital, Lagos.
Gossip News Now reports that Adichie tragically lost her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, in the early hours of January 7, during an emergency procedure at the facility. The incident has sparked widespread public outcry and a heated debate over medical negligence in Nigeria.
Following the tragedy, Adichie accused Euracare Hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death resulted from “criminal negligence” by the attending anaesthesiologist and medical staff. The allegation has since attracted national attention, prompting calls for accountability in the healthcare sector.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Faduyile, a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine at Lagos State University, questioned why the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)—the statutory regulatory body for medical practice—has not been fully constituted to investigate such allegations. He urged authorities to promptly establish the council to allow due process to take place.
“It is important for our populace to know that there are different ways to handle cases of medical negligence rather than resorting to the media,” Faduyile said.
He stressed that the medical profession has well-established mechanisms to address alleged negligence, noting that following proper procedures would strengthen public confidence in the system.
“Every profession has its ethics and regulations. Let us follow the process. Sometimes it may be long and torturous, but can you blame the populace? It may be difficult because they have lost a loved one and are in deep grief.”
Faduyile expressed confidence in the MDCN’s ability to manage such cases if properly supported:
“I can tell you that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, if given the necessary support base, would do what is necessary, and it would strengthen the medical profession in this country.”
Delay in Constituting the Council
The former NMA president criticised the government for the delay in constituting the MDCN, describing it as unjustifiable.
“We need to call on the government. Why are you hesitating to set up the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria? This is over one year. There is no reason. Almost all the members there are statutory,” he said.
Legal Action by Adichie
Meanwhile, Chimamanda Adichie and her husband have served Euracare Hospital with a legal notice, alleging medical negligence and professional misconduct leading to their son’s death. Dated January 10 and issued by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the notice accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and staff of breaching their duty of care during a series of medical procedures.
The parents alleged that Nkanu suffered severe complications during intra-hospital transfer while being sedated with propofol in preparation for a medical evacuation to the United States. They cited inadequate monitoring, improper dosing, insufficient oxygen supply, lack of medical personnel, and delays in responding to his deteriorating condition.
Lagos State Government Investigation
In response, the Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the incident. The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Mrs Kemi Ogunyemi, stated that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has visited Euracare Hospital and commenced a comprehensive review.
“The investigation will examine compliance with clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles of all parties involved. Findings will be made public,” Ogunyemi said, adding that HEFAMAA will collaborate with the MDCN and other relevant agencies to ensure a credible and transparent investigation.
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