Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has accused a Lagos hospital of obstructing an inquest into the circumstances surrounding her baby son's death. Adichie claims Euracare hospital has stalled and created delays in the investigation, despite an initial finding of possible medical negligence.
The author's son, Nknau, died in January at the age of 21 months, after undergoing diagnostic tests at Euracare hospital. Adichie and her family have accused the hospital of negligence, alleging that medics denied Nkanu oxygen and gave him excessive sedation, leading to a cardiac arrest.
According to Adichie's letter, the hospital provided incomplete medical records, which she described as 'strikingly unprofessional'. The author also disputed the hospital's claim that her son's death was due to bacterial meningitis, stating that there was no medical evidence to support this on his death certificate.
An investigation panel set up by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had previously found a possible case of medical negligence against Euracare. Adichie's legal team has submitted evidence to the court, including details of her son's initial admission to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos, where plans had been made to transfer him to the United States for further treatment.
Adichie's accusations come as a shock to her fans and the literary community, who have rallied around her in support. The author's letter is a powerful expression of her grief and frustration, as she urges Euracare to cooperate with the investigation and allow the truth to come to light.
As a result of this story, UK readers may be interested to know that while this incident occurred in Nigeria, it highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the healthcare sector. It also underscores the need for families to be able to trust that their loved ones will receive proper care and treatment.