Chimamanda’s son’s death: we stand by our doctors, says hospital management
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital yesterday defended the integrity of its Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors. The trio was suspended by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital yesterday defended the integrity of its Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors.
The trio was suspended by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and her husband, Ivara Esege.
In a statement by its management, the hospital stressed its commitment to cooperating with regulatory authorities while reaffirming confidence in the professionalism of its staff.
“Our attention has been drawn to widespread media reports concerning the interim suspension orders and other findings issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel against 13 doctors, two of whom are our clinical staff members, in connection with the ongoing proceedings relating to the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege,” Euracare said.
The hospital’s management added: “We remain fully committed to cooperating with all relevant regulatory and judicial authorities in the course of their inquiries. We, however, wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team.
Read Also: Wike promises FCT indigenous people C of O on ancestral lands
“Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr. Titus Ogundare are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years. Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.
“In the interest of transparency, since the commencement of this matter, we have conducted a thorough internal review of the clinical events in question, in line with our clinical governance standards and best practices. We have actively demonstrated our commitment to transparency and will continue to engage openly with all inquiries directed at us.”
Promising the hospital’s support for its workers, the management expressed concerns over procedural lapses during the investigation.
“We are also compelled to draw attention to some serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings. It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required.
“We have further noted, with deep concern, that matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.
“We wish to state that we stand by the principles of equality, fairness, and good governance. Every party in this matter, including our institution and our staff, is entitled to a process that is conducted with rigour, impartiality, and respect for the rules that govern it.
“We will be raising these concerns through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels. We continue to empathise with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The loss of a child is a grief without measure, and we carry that awareness.”
The suspension follows findings by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which reviewed complaints surrounding Nkanu Esege’s treatment.
The panel suspended Dr. Majekodunmi, Dr. Ogundare, Dr. Atinuke Uwajei, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, after determining medical negligence contributed to the toddler’s death on January 7.
The panel also said it found prima facie cases of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors while clearing eight of any wrongdoing.
