The acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of “criminal negligence” following the death of her 21-month-old son, while the facility has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
Adichie’s son, Nkanu Nnamdi, died on Wednesday, 7 January. In a detailed statement confirmed by her media team, the award-winning writer alleged that her child died following a series of clinical failures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital.
However, the hospital has pushed back against the claims, insisting that their team followed international medical standards in treating a “critically ill” patient.
Allegations of ‘fatally casual’ care
Adichie stated that her son was being prepared for a medical evacuation to the United States for treatment of a serious infection. He was referred to Euracare for an MRI and the insertion of a “central line” for medication.
The author alleged that Nkanu was administered an excessive dose of the sedative propofol and was subsequently left unmonitored.
“How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him?” Adichie wrote. “The anesthesiologist was CRIMINALLY negligent. He was fatally casual and careless with the precious life of a child.”
She further claimed that after the procedure, the child’s oxygen was switched off during his transfer to the Intensive Care Unit, leading to a brain injury, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
Hospital: Care met ‘international standards’
In a statement issued on Saturday, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital expressed its “deepest sympathies” to the family but denied the allegations of negligence.
The hospital clarified its position:
- Critical Condition: The hospital stated the child was already “critically ill” when he arrived, having previously been treated at two other pediatric centers.
- Standard Protocol: It maintained that its medical team provided care “in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards.”
- Collaboration: The facility noted it worked “collaboratively with external medical teams” recommended by the family.
Euracare added that it has launched a “detailed investigation” into the death and remains committed to engaging with regulatory processes.
National reaction
The tragedy has led to an outpouring of grief in Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu and other high-profile figures offering condolences.
The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists has confirmed it is monitoring the situation, while the Lagos state health regulatory body, HEFAMAA, is reportedly scrutinizing the allegations to ensure a “comprehensive and professional review.”
Adichie described the loss as “living your worst nightmare,” adding that she spoke out to ensure “this must never happen to another child.”
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