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Nigeria’s medical regulator, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), has provisionally suspended three doctors following the death of the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Nkanu Adichie-Esege, one of the writer’s twins, died on January 7 after complications during preparatory medical procedures at Euracare Hospital in Lagos.
An MDCN investigation panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare Hospital and Atlantis Hospital over the child’s management. As a result, the hospital director and two other doctors have been suspended from practising medicine pending a disciplinary tribunal’s final determination.
Dr Munir Bature, publicity secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association, confirmed the suspensions to the BBC, stating that a separate panel would decide the ultimate outcome, which could include permanent loss of licences.
The family has accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that oxygen was denied and excessive sedation was administered, leading to cardiac arrest. In response, the hospital expressed sympathy but denied wrongdoing.
An inquest into the child’s death is scheduled to begin on April 14 at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court, where medical experts and hospital representatives are expected to testify.
The case has ignited broader concerns about patient safety in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Following public outcry, Nigeria’s health ministry acknowledged systemic challenges and announced the formation of a national task force on clinical governance and patient safety.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an award-winning novelist known for works such as Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. Her 2013 essay We Should All Be Feminists gained global recognition and was sampled by Beyoncé in the song Flawless. She was also named among Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2015.
