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By John Ogunsemore
The Lagos State Government has commiserated with renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, over the loss of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, on January 6.
This is just as it confirmed it has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death in a health facility in the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Government commiserates sincerely with Ms Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss.
“The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time. Lagos State Government extends its heartfelt condolences and assures the family of its concern and commitment to justice,” the statement reads in part.
On Saturday, Adichie released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.
She said Nkanu had taken ill while the family was in Lagos for the Christmas holiday.
She said his condition, which the family initially thought was a cold, quickly turned into a very serious infection.
Adichie said the child was referred to Euracare Hospital on January 6.
She accused the hospital’s anaesthesiologist of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
“I will never survive the loss of my child,” the author mourned.
In a statement, Euracare Hospital commiserated with the Adichie family over their son’s death, acknowledging the “profound and unimaginable loss they are experiencing during this deeply distressing time”.
However, the hospital clarified that some of the reports currently being circulated contain inaccuracies.
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“In particular, the suggestion that this tragic outcome resulted from medical negligence is erroneous,” the statement signed by the hospital management reads in part.
Euracare said it worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by his family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided.
However, the health facility said it has commenced a detailed investigation consistent with its clinical governance standards and best practices, while saying it remained committed to engaging transparently and responsibly with all clinical and regulatory processes.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government said it placed the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state.
“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death,” the state government’s statement reads in part.
It said HEFAMAA, in line with this directive, has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The state government said the Agency would conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident.
“HEFAMAA, which is statutorily established to regulate, monitor, and accredit both public and private health facilities in Lagos State, also as part of its core mandate carries out routine investigation of all cases of alleged medical negligence and unethical practices.
“This statutory responsibility is exercised consistently to uphold patient safety, professional standards, and the quality of health service delivery across the State,” it said.
The state government said the agency will work in close collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies in the course of the investigation to ensure a holistic, credible, and professional review process.
According to the statement, the investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
It said the findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability.
“The Lagos State Government assures the public that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the Government urges the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as due process is being followed to ensure fairness, justice, and credibility of outcomes,” the statement affirmed.
