The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of acclaimed writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, following allegations of medical negligence against a private hospital in Victoria Island.
The directive was given by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) after the author publicly accused Euracare Multispecialist Hospital of serious medical lapses during a procedure that reportedly led to her son’s death on January 6.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the state government had been alerted to Ms Adichie’s detailed account of the incident earlier in the day.
Ogunyemi said the governor had ordered an immediate, independent and transparent investigation to determine both the immediate and remote causes of the toddler’s death.
She stated, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the deeply distressing report by renowned Nigerian author, Ms Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, concerning the tragic death of her son, Nkanu, following a medical incident at a private healthcare facility in Lagos.
“In line with this commitment, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed HEFAMAA to commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
According to her, officials of HEFAMAA have already visited the hospital as part of the ongoing inquiry and will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations, medical reports and procedures linked to the case.
She explained that the agency, which is statutorily responsible for regulating and accrediting public and private health facilities in the state, routinely investigates allegations of medical negligence and unethical practices to safeguard patient safety and professional standards.
The government added that HEFAMAA would collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional investigation.
“The investigation will examine compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“The findings will be made public at the conclusion of the process in the interest of transparency and accountability,” Ogunyemi said.
While commiserating with Ms Adichie and her family, the state government stressed that it places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating in Lagos.
It also assured residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would face appropriate sanctions in line with existing laws.
However, Euracare Multispecialist Hospital, responding to the allegations, said the child was critically ill before being brought to its facility and had been referred for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two paediatric centres.
The hospital said it would cooperate fully with investigators to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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