The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists says it is monitoring allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Chimamanda Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nkanu.
Its National President, Prof. Alhassan Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos.
An official family statement said that 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, died on January 7 after a brief illness.
PUNCH Online reported that in a statement released on Saturday, Adichie alleged medical negligence as the cause of her son’s death. She said Nkanu was taken to Euracare Hospital for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line. During the procedures, he was sedated but not properly monitored after being administered propofol, leading to complications that included loss of responsiveness, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
The statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications said, “The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
However, days after, sources close to the family had alleged medical negligence at a Lagos private hospital where Nkanu was taken for medical procedures ahead of a scheduled evacuation to the US for further treatment as the cause of the boy’s death.
“The hospital involved is likely to conduct its own investigation for more facts by getting oral and documented evidence.
“You know the patient will have a record, whether manual or electronic, that can be printed out there.
“Then there may be an independent investigative panel to look further based on the allegations, depending on if the mother or relatives want to take it further,” Mohammed said.
He explained that the investigation would focus on verification of the registration status of the individuals and facilities, compliance with approved scopes of practice, adherence to medical protocols, and identification if negligence contributed to the incident.
Mohammed said NSA awaits more information before commenting further on the issue.
NAN
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