Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has broken its silence following the death of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s son, offering condolences while denying allegations of medical negligence.
Hospital Expresses Condolences
In an official statement, the hospital described the loss as “profound and heartbreaking” and extended sympathy to the writer and her family.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Chimamanda Adichie and family on the demise of their son and acknowledge the profound and unimaginable loss they are experiencing during this deeply distressing time. The loss of a child is beyond words, and we offer our most heartfelt condolences to his parents and the entire family,” the statement read.
Denying Allegations of Negligence
Euracare addressed what it called inaccuracies in reports circulating about the circumstances of the child’s care:
“We find it necessary, for the record, to clarify that some of the reports currently being circulated contain inaccuracies.
Our facility is a reputable centre for complex medical care, led by an internationally trained and experienced clinical team. The patient, who was critically ill, was referred to our facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment for a period of time at two paediatric centres. Upon arrival, our medical team immediately provided care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including the administration of sedation where clinically indicated.
In the course of his care, we worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by his family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided. Despite these concerted efforts, the patient sadly passed away less than 24 hours after presenting at our facility.”
Investigation Launched
The hospital revealed it had commenced a detailed investigation consistent with clinical governance standards and pledged full cooperation with all regulatory processes.
“We remain committed to engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes. We recognise that the family is grieving an irreplaceable loss and we shall continue to support them in any way that may bring comfort during this devastating period,” Euracare added.
Commitment to Patient Safety
Highlighting its focus on compassion and care, the hospital said:
“As medical professionals, we carry the weight of this loss deeply. Our priority remains compassion, patient safety, and the responsible handling of this matter, while respecting the family’s privacy and allowing due process to take its course. We continue to hold the family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Chimamanda Adichie Alleges Negligence
Earlier, Chimamanda Adichie alleged that her son’s death followed fatal lapses during a routine procedure at Euracare Hospital on January 6.
She claimed her son, Nkanu, was sedated and not properly monitored, leading to seizures and cardiac arrest.
Chimamanda also raised concerns that the anesthesiologist involved had prior knowledge of similar incidents yet continued to practise, calling the actions “criminally negligent.”
The writer said her family had travelled to Lagos for the holidays when her son developed symptoms initially thought to be a cold, which later worsened into a severe infection requiring urgent medical attention.