The heartbreaking death of a toddler linked to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated writers has now opened up a wider conversation about medical safety and accountability in the country’s healthcare system.
As emotions run high and questions multiply, professional bodies and government authorities are stepping in to ensure the matter is thoroughly examined.
Anaesthetists Seek a Seat at the Investigation Table
The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has formally asked to be involved in the Lagos State Government’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the son of award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The society believes its expertise is crucial, given the nature of the allegations being raised.
The call was made by the NSA’s National President, Professor Alhassan Mohammed, in a statement released on Monday and obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria.
Support for Lagos Government’s Decision to Probe the Case
Professor Mohammed welcomed the Lagos State Government’s move to launch an investigation, describing it as a responsible and necessary step.
He noted that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency had already begun its work, following directives issued by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
According to him, the allegations appear to revolve around the role of a physician anaesthetist who was part of the medical team during the MRI procedure.
Why the NSA Wants to Be Directly Involved
The NSA stressed that for the investigation to be balanced and technically sound, a senior and highly experienced physician anaesthetist should be included in the panel. Professor Mohammed explained that this would allow for a detailed and professional review of the anaesthesia-related aspects of the case.
While describing the incident as deeply painful, he said it also presents an opportunity to critically assess how anaesthesia is practiced, not just in Lagos State but across Nigeria. He added that implementing the panel’s recommendations could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Reaffirming the Principle of “Safety First”
The NSA president reassured the public that the society remains committed to its guiding principle of “Safety First.”
He emphasized that patient safety must always be the top priority in medical practice, especially in procedures involving sedation and anaesthesia.
The Child at the Centre of the Tragedy
The child, 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, was born to Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege.
He reportedly died on January 7 after a short illness.
A statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications on behalf of the family described them as devastated by the loss and appealed to the public to respect their privacy during such a painful period.
Adichie’s Allegations Against the Hospital
Days after the incident, Chimamanda Adichie shared a detailed account on social media that quickly went viral.
In her write-up, she accused Euracare Multispecialist Hospital in Lagos of medical negligence, alleging that lapses in care contributed to her son’s death.
She explained that Nkanu had initially shown symptoms resembling a cold, which later developed into what she described as a severe infection.
The family had planned to fly him abroad for treatment.
What Happened During the Medical Procedure
According to Adichie, upon arriving at the hospital, doctors said her son needed to be sedated to keep him still during an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line.
She alleged that after being given what she described as an excessive dose of propofol, her son was not properly monitored.
She claimed that his condition rapidly worsened, leading to loss of responsiveness, seizures, and eventually cardiac arrest. He passed away the following day.
Lagos State Government Orders Full Investigation
Reacting to the public outcry, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
The directive was communicated through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi.
The aim, according to the government, is to uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the child’s death.
Government’s Warning on Accountability
The Lagos State Government assured Nigerians that anyone found guilty of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory breaches would face the full weight of the law.
Officials stressed that existing legal and regulatory frameworks would be strictly applied.
What’s Next?
As investigations continue, attention now turns to how transparent and thorough the process will be.
The inclusion of specialist voices, particularly from the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists, may shape the outcome and recommendations.
Beyond this single case, many Nigerians are watching closely, hoping the findings will lead to stronger safeguards and renewed trust in the healthcare system.
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