THE Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel has invoked its order of suspension against the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Tunde Majekodunmi, and two others, following establishment of a prima facie case of medical negligence against them in the management of 21-month old, Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Ivara Esege, died on January 7, this year, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos State.
In addition to Majekodunmi, the panel also suspended the anesthesiologist at the same hospital, Titus Ogundare, and Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, Atinuke Uwajeh, from medical practice in Nigeria, pending the determination of their case by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
A statement signed by the panel’s Secretary, Enejo Abdu, said the panel, in its findings, also determined that there was a prima facie case of misconduct in a professional respect against 10 other doctors- Adeseye Akinsete; Chidinma Ohagwu; Anthony Ajeh; Amarachi Bayo; Nkechi Peji; Olaoye Oludare; Agaja Oyinkansola; Patricia Akintan; Babatunde Bamgboye; and Raji Faidat.
The panel also cleared eight other doctors after considering the complaint against all 21 doctors and reviewing their counter-affidavits, including their oral depositions on oath.
It concluded its investigation at its 25th session held at Excel Hotel and Resort in Abuja on February 17 and 18th, this year,
Nkanu was first admitted to Atlantis Hospital for what was described as a worsening, but initially mild illness. While arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States (US), where a specialist team was reportedly on standby, Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture and insertion of a central line.
He died following the procedures and his parents alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.
In a legal notice on January 10, this year, issued by Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), Adichie and her husband accused Euracare, its anesthesiologist and other attending medical personnel of breaching the duty of care owed to their son.
The notice said Nkanu, born on March 25, 2024, underwent diagnostic and preparatory procedures, including Echocardiogram, Brain MRI, insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter, lumbar puncture and intravenous sedation, using propofol was administered.
The bereaved parents alleged that the child developed sudden and severe complications while being transported to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI.
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