The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
Nkanu, a 21-month-old one of Adichie’s twin sons, died on Wednesday following an emergency during a medical procedure at Euracare, a hospital in Lagos.
The author had accused Euracare Hospital of negligence, alleging that her son’s death was the result of “criminal negligence” by the attending anaesthesiologist.
Adichie recounted that the toddler initially appeared to have a cold before his condition rapidly deteriorated into a severe infection.
She claimed the anaesthesiologist in charge was “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child”.
In a statement on Saturday, Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on health, said the state government has commenced a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Lagos state government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice,” the statement reads.
Ogunyemi said the state maintains “zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct” in any health facility operating within Lagos.
She disclosed that Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a “thorough, independent, and transparent investigation” into the incident to determine both the immediate and remote causes of death.
According to the statement, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the case.
The agency will also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional investigation.
“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” Ogunyemi said.
“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
“The Lagos State Government assures the public that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.”
The government also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while due process is followed.
Euracare had earlier expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family over their son’s death, calling the loss “profound and unimaginable.”
The hospital said some reports about the incident contained inaccuracies.
It added that it has launched an internal probe “in line with clinical governance standards and best practices”.
