Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has mounted a forceful defence of two of its senior physicians, placed on interim suspension by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) following the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The hospital also raised concerns about the integrity of the investigative process, alleging procedural lapses and breaches of confidentiality in what is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most high-profile medical negligence cases.
Doctors Suspended Pending Tribunal
On Tuesday, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel announced the interim suspension of Euracare’s Medical Director, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, and its anaesthesiologists, Dr. Titus Ogundare. Also suspended was Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
The trio has been barred from practicing medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal.
According to a statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Dr. Enejo Abdu, investigators established a prima facie case of medical negligence in the treatment of the toddler, who died on January 7, 2026, following complications arising from preparatory medical procedures.
The panel further disclosed that it found sufficient evidence of professional misconduct against 10 additional doctors at Atlantis Hospital. Eight other physicians named in the initial complaint were cleared after the panel reviewed affidavits, counter-affidavits, and sworn oral testimony.
The investigation concluded during the panel’s 25th session held in Abuja on February 17 and 18. A coroner’s inquest is scheduled to begin April 14.
A Planned Medical Evacuation That Ended in Tragedy
According to accounts contained in a legal notice dated January 10, 2026—issued by counsel to the child’s parents—the toddler had first been admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what doctors reportedly described as a worsening but initially mild illness.
As arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States for specialist care, Atlantis Hospital referred him to Euracare for pre-flight evaluations and procedures.
Those procedures allegedly included an echocardiogram, brain MRI, lumbar puncture, intravenous sedation with propofol, and insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.
The parents claim their son developed sudden and severe complications while being moved to the cardiac catheterization laboratory after undergoing the MRI.
He later died.
In their notice, the parents accused Euracare, its anaesthesiologists, and other medical personnel of failing in their duty of care and engaging in professional misconduct.
Euracare Pushes Back
In a statement issued Wednesday, Euracare said it remains committed to cooperating fully with regulatory and judicial authorities. However, it expressed strong confidence in the competence and integrity of its suspended physicians, describing them as seasoned professionals who have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The hospital said it had conducted an internal clinical review consistent with its governance standards and best practices, maintaining that it has upheld transparency throughout.
But it also alleged that “certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required” during the investigation.
Euracare further raised concerns about what it described as the disclosure of confidential patient and institutional information outside appropriate channels—calling it a serious breach.
“All parties are entitled to a fair and impartial process conducted strictly in accordance with established rules,” the hospital said, adding that it would pursue its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory avenues.
While defending its staff, Euracare expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, acknowledging that the loss of a child is “a grief without measure.”
High-Profile Case, National Scrutiny
The case has drawn widespread public attention not only because of the gravity of the allegations, but also because of the prominence of the child’s mother, one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized literary figures.
As disciplinary proceedings and a coroner’s inquest move forward, the case is likely to test both Nigeria’s medical accountability systems and public trust in private healthcare institutions.
For now, three doctors remain suspended, more than a dozen practitioners have faced regulatory scrutiny, and a grieving family awaits answers.
