The Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of 21-month-old Nkanu, son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The directive which was announced in a statement signed by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, comes on the heels of public concern generated by Adichie’s account of events that led to her son’s death.
TheFact Daily had earlier reported that Ms. Adichie in a statement, alleged criminal negligence by an anesthesiologist in the treatment of her son at the Euracare hospital in Lagos, saying that her son was given an overdose of propofol and was left unmonitored after being sedated.
Dr. Ogunyemi in her statement, expressed deep condolences to the grieving family,on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, describing the loss of a child as “a profound tragedy.”
She reaffirmed the government’s zero tolerance for medical negligence and unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the state.m, adding that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), has already begun investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, “with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.”
She explained that the investigation would involve a detailed review of clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the responsibilities of all parties connected to the case, warning that
“any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law, in accordance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.”
