A Lagos-based healthcare facility currently in the limelight, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, has faulted the outcome of the investigation panel of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) on the death of a 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of a renowned author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The toddler died some weeks ago after an alleged overdose of sedative propofol, with the family alleging medical negligence.
This week, the panel suspended the two doctors of Euracare, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare.
Reacting to the development in a statement, the hospital claimed it observed “a number of serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings.”
In the statement made available to Business Post, Euracare emphasised that it vouches for the “professionalism and integrity of our clinical team,” pointing out that “certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required” during the probe.
While it empathised “with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege” over the unfortunate incident, the healthcare firm said there was a “serious breach” by the investigators that “cannot go unaddressed.”
It identified this breach as the disclosure of “matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality” outside the appropriate channels.
Below is the full statement from Euracare;
Our attention has been drawn to widespread media reports concerning the interim suspension orders and other findings issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel against thirteen doctors, two of whom are our clinical staff members in connection with the ongoing proceedings relating to the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. We remain fully committed to cooperating with all relevant regulatory and judicial authorities in the course of their inquiries.
We however wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team. Dr. Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr. Titus Ogundare who are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years. Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.
In the interest of transparency, since the commencement of this matter, we have conducted a thorough internal review of the clinical events in question, in line with our clinical governance standards and best practices. We have actively demonstrated our commitment to transparency and will continue to engage openly with all inquiries directed at us.
We are also compelled to draw attention to a number of serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings. It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required. We have further noted, with deep concern, that matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.
We wish to state that we stand by the principles of equality, fairness, and good governance. Every party in this matter, including our institution and our staff, is entitled to a process that is conducted with rigour, impartiality, and respect for the rules that govern it. We will be raising these concerns through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
We continue to empathize with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The loss of a child is a grief without measure, and we carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter.