Renowned Nigerian author and global literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has publicly accused Euracare Hospital in Lagos of gross medical negligence following the untimely death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, during what was supposed to be a routine medical procedure on January 6. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability in the Nigerian medical sector.
In a personal and emotional account confirmed by her media team, Chimamanda described the death of her son as entirely preventable, attributing it to critical lapses in care by the medical staff at Euracare Hospital. She highlighted what she described as fatal sedation errors, lack of continuous monitoring, and general disregard for established pediatric protocols, which she believes directly led to Nkanu’s death.
Family in Lagos for Christmas Holidays
Chimamanda explained that the family had traveled to Lagos for the Christmas holidays when Nkanu initially displayed mild symptoms that were assumed to be a common cold. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated into a severe infection, necessitating admission to Atlantis Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Given the severity of Nkanu’s condition, arrangements were quickly made for an emergency medical evacuation to the United States, with a team from the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore prepared to receive him on January 7. The medical team in the U.S. requested that an MRI scan and lumbar puncture be conducted in Nigeria to provide critical information before the flight, while Nigerian doctors also planned to insert a central line to facilitate intravenous treatment during transportation.
Sedation and Critical Incident at Euracare Hospital
The family was referred to Euracare Hospital to carry out the MRI, lumbar puncture, and central line insertion procedures. Chimamanda recounted the events leading up to the tragic outcome, explaining that her son was sedated to prevent movement during these procedures, a standard precautionary measure in pediatric care.
While waiting outside the theatre, she observed unusual activity and noted medical staff rushing in and out of the room, immediately triggering concern about her son’s wellbeing. Moments later, she was informed that Nkanu had received an excessive dose of propofol, the anesthetic administered by the attending anesthesiologist. She explained, “A short time later, I was told that Nkanu had been given too much propofol by the anesthesiologist, became unresponsive, and was resuscitated.”
Nkanu was then intubated, placed on a ventilator, and admitted to the ICU. Despite these interventions, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he ultimately passed away, leaving his family devastated.
Alleged Medical Negligence
Chimamanda alleged that her son was never properly monitored after being sedated. She claimed that the anesthesiologist carried him without continuous observation, leaving it unclear when he became unresponsive. She also alleged that after completing the central line procedure, the anesthesiologist switched off Nkanu’s oxygen before transporting him to the ICU.
In her statement, she asked pointedly, “How can you sedate a sick child and neglect to monitor him?” Chimamanda described the actions of the medical staff as “criminally negligent” and a blatant breach of accepted medical protocols. She further accused the anesthesiologist of acting with fatal casualness and carelessness, endangering the life of a vulnerable child in his care.
Tragic Outcome
Despite urgent efforts to stabilize him, Nkanu suffered seizures and cardiac arrest, complications he had never experienced before. Hours later, he passed away, leaving his parents and family in deep mourning. Chimamanda expressed the devastation of losing a child under such circumstances, stating, “We brought in a child who was unwell but stable and scheduled to travel the next day. We came to conduct basic procedures. And suddenly, our beautiful little boy was gone forever.”
She described the loss as her “worst nightmare” and lamented the preventable circumstances surrounding Nkanu’s death, emphasizing the anguish and trauma the family has endured as a result of the incident.
Concerns Over Anesthesiologist’s Track Record
Chimamanda further alleged that Euracare Hospital had prior knowledge of at least two previous incidents involving alleged anesthetic overdoses by the same practitioner. She questioned why the anesthesiologist was allowed to continue practicing despite these prior incidents, calling for stricter oversight and accountability within the hospital system.
“This must never happen to another child,” she said, stressing the urgent need for systemic reforms and enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As of the time of filing this report, Euracare Hospital and the medical personnel involved have not issued an official response to the allegations or the tragic death of Nkanu Nnamdi.