A former President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Francis Faduyile, has cautioned against what he described as a “media trial” in the case involving celebrated Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Euracare Hospital, Lagos.
Naijaonpoint reports that Adichie lost her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, in the early hours of January 7, following an emergency during a medical procedure at the facility.
The sad development sparked public outrage and widespread debate on medical negligence.
Following the tragedy, the author accused Euracare Hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death was a result of “criminal negligence” by the attending anaesthesiologist and medical staff.
The allegation has since drawn national attention, prompting calls for accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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 and dental practice, has not been properly constituted to investigate the allegations.
He urged the authorities to urgently set up the council to allow due process to take its course.
“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.
Faduyile stressed that the medical profession has established mechanisms for addressing alleged negligence, adding that adherence to procedure would strengthen public confidence in the system.
“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?” he said.
“It may be difficult because they have lost a loved one and they are in deep grief.”
He expressed confidence in the MDCN’s capacity to handle 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,” he added.
Why Is The Government Hesitating?
The former NMA president also criticised the delay in setting up the council, 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. What is the reason? There is no reason. Almost all the members there are statutory,” Faduyile said.
Meanwhile, Adichie and her husband have served Euracare Hospital with a legal notice, alleging that medical negligence and professional impropriety led to their son’s death.
In the notice dated January 10, issued by the law firm of Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the couple accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist and attending staff of breaching their duty of care during a series of medical procedures.
According to the notice, Nkanu died after being transferred for an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line, procedures that were preparatory to a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
The parents alleged that the toddler, who was sedated with propofol, developed severe complications during intra-hospital transfer.
They cited inadequate monitoring, improper dosing, lack of supplemental oxygen, insufficient medical personnel, and delays in responding to his deteriorating condition.
Amid growing concern, the Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the incident.
In an earlier statement, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Mrs Kemi Ogunyemi, said the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) had 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.
She added that HEFAMAA would work with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant agencies to ensure a credible and transparent investigation.