The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has said it is monitoring allegations of medical negligence surrounding the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The National President of the society, Prof. Alhassan Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
Nkanu, the son of Adichie and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, reportedly died on January 7 after a brief illness, according to an official family statement.
In a statement released on Saturday, Adichie alleged that medical negligence led to her son’s death. She said the child was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line ahead of a planned medical evacuation to the United States.
According to her, Nkanu was sedated with propofol during the procedures but was not properly monitored, resulting in complications including loss of responsiveness, seizures and eventual cardiac arrest.
A statement issued by Omawumi Ogbe of GLG Communications on behalf of the family said, “The family is devastated by this profound loss, and we request that their privacy be respected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Days after the incident, sources close to the family also alleged medical negligence at the Lagos private hospital where the child was taken for medical procedures.
Speaking on the matter, Mohammed said the hospital involved was likely to conduct its own internal investigation by reviewing oral and documented evidence, including the patient’s medical records.
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“You know the patient will have a record, whether manual or electronic, that can be printed out there,” he said.
He added that there could also be an independent investigative panel to further examine the allegations, depending on whether the family decides to pursue the matter.
Mohammed explained that any investigation would focus on verifying the registration status of the medical personnel and facilities involved, assessing compliance with approved scopes of practice, evaluating adherence to medical protocols, and determining whether negligence contributed to the child’s death.
He said the NSA was awaiting more information before making further comments on the issue.