Chimamanda’s Son’s Death: Ex-NMA President Warns Against Media Trial

Former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Francis Faduyile, has warned against media trial in the case involving popular Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, and Euracare, a hospital in Lagos.

Adichie lost her 21-month-old son in the early hours of January 7 following an emergency during a medical procedure at the medical facility.

The author had accused Euracare Hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death was the result of “criminal negligence” by the attending anaesthesiologist.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Faduyile, a Professor of Pathology and Forensic Medicine at the Lagos State University, wondered why the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MCDN), the regulatory body of medical and dental practice in the country, expected to investigate the allegation by Adichie, has not been set up.

He called on the authorities to set up the Council as soon as possible.

READ ALSO: Agbakoba Calls For Probe Of Chimamanda’s Son’s Death, Demands Health Reforms

“It is important for our populace to know that there are different ways you can take charge of cases of medical negligence rather than going to the media,” Faduyile said.

“Every profession has its own 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 they are in deep grief.

“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.

“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. What is the reason? There is no reason. Almost all the members there are statutory.”

Meanwhile, the celebrated author has served Euracare Hospital in Lagos with a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional impropriety led to the death of her son.

The family had alleged that Nkanu died due to medical negligence on the part of Euracare Hospital.

In a legal notice dated 10 January, issued by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the couple accused Euracare Hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending staff of breaching their duty of care during a series of medical procedures.

The toddler died in the early hours of 7 January, after being transferred for an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line. These procedures were preparatory steps for a planned medical evacuation to the United States.

The notice claims that young Nkanu, who was sedated with propofol, developed severe complications during transfer within the hospital.

The parents alleged inadequate monitoring, improper dosing, lack of supplemental oxygen, insufficient medical personnel, and delays in responding to his deteriorating condition.

Worried by the situation, the Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the death.

In a statement earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi,  said the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had visited the facility and begun a comprehensive review of all reports and allegations.

The agency said it would work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant bodies to ensure a credible investigation.

“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.