The Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDPIP) has suspended three doctors over alleged negligence in the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Esege, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie.
Those suspended are Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, medical director of Euracare Multi Specialist Hospital in Lagos, Dr Titus Ogundare and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh. They are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of the case before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement signed by its secretary Dr Enejo Abdu on Tuesday, the panel said there was a prima facie case of professional misconduct against the three doctors arising from their involvement in the management of the child. Ten other doctors were also found to have a prima facie case to answer, while eight were cleared.
Nkanu died on January 7 after he was referred from Atlantis Hospital to Euracare for diagnostic and preparatory procedures ahead of a planned emergency medical evacuation.
In a legal notice dated January 10, the parents accused the hospital, its anaesthesiologist and other staff of breaching their duty of care. They said the child was referred for tests including an echocardiogram, brain MRI, insertion of a central line and lumbar puncture before he “developed sudden and severe complications”.
The family’s legal team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, demanded the preservation and release of all medical records and evidence related to the child’s treatment.
Euracare Hospital expressed condolences to the family and said it had commenced an internal review. The hospital said reports suggesting wrongdoing contained inaccuracies and maintained that care was provided in line with standard protocols.
The Lagos State Government, through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, also ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
A coroner’s inquest is expected to begin in April at the Yaba Magistrate Court in Lagos.
