Euracare kicks as MDCN suspends doctors over Adichie son’s death

Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has defended two of its doctors placed on interim suspension by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria over the death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

The hospital also questioned the investigative process, alleging breaches of due process and confidentiality in the ongoing probe.

On Tuesday, the MDCN investigation panel announced the suspension of Euracare’s Medical Director, Tunde Majekodunmi, and its anaesthesiologist, Titus Ogundare, alongside Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer of Atlantis Hospital. The trio were barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the outcome of proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal.

The panel said it established a prima facie case of medical negligence against Euracare and Atlantis Hospital in their management of the child, who died on January 7, 2026, following complications from preparatory medical procedures. It also disclosed that sufficient evidence of professional misconduct was found against 10 other doctors at Atlantis Hospital.

The investigation was concluded during the panel’s 25th session in Abuja on February 17 and 18, while a coroner’s inquest into the case is scheduled to begin on April 14.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Euracare said it remains committed to cooperating fully with regulatory and judicial authorities. However, the hospital expressed confidence in the competence and integrity of its suspended doctors, describing them as experienced professionals who have contributed significantly to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The hospital stated that it had conducted an internal review of the clinical events in line with its governance standards and best practices, maintaining that it has consistently upheld transparency.

Euracare, however, raised concerns about what it described as lapses in established procedures during the investigation.

“It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement said.

The hospital also alleged that confidential patient and institutional information had been disclosed outside appropriate channels, calling it a serious breach.

It stressed that all parties involved are entitled to a fair and impartial process conducted in accordance with established rules, adding that it would pursue its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory avenues.

While defending its doctors, Euracare expressed sympathy to the bereaved family, acknowledging that the loss of a child is “a grief without measure.”