By Ayomide Otitoju
The Lagos State Government has ordered a full investigation into alleged medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.
The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died last Thursday after a brief illness. In a statement, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the death of a child as a profound tragedy and expressed the government’s condolences to the family.
Ogunyemi said Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to her, HEFAMAA has already visited the hospital involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports related to the case. She added that the agency would collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional inquiry.
“The investigation will examine compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved,” Ogunyemi said, noting that the findings would be made public at the conclusion of the process in the interest of transparency and accountability.
She also assured Lagos residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be sanctioned in accordance with existing laws.
In a statement on Saturday, Adichie alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being careless and negligent in the handling of her child. She said the toddler initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later rapidly deteriorated into a severe infection.
