The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that reportedly led to the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
Reports on Thursday has it that the toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died after a brief illness.
Adichie, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
According to the author, the child initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later deteriorated rapidly into a severe infection.
Reacting to the allegation, Euracare Hospital, where the child was reportedly treated, said it had commenced an internal investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable,” while maintaining that some reports surrounding the incident contained inaccuracies.
Euracare described itself as a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by internationally trained and experienced professionals.
