By Deborah Coker
Atlantis Pediatric Hospital says it has reservations about some aspects of the
findings in the report of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
concerning its handling of the late son of Chimamanda Adichie.
The hospital’s position is contained in a statement made by its management in
Abuja, on Monday
The MDCN had established a prima facie case of medical negligence and
professional misconduct in the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-
month-old son of acclaimed author, Chimamanda Adichie.
The findings followed an investigation initiated after a formal complaint was
lodged with the Council in January.
Medical practitioners from Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital and Atlantis
Paediatric Hospital had responded to the complaint, submitting affidavits and
presenting oral testimony before the MDCN Investigative Panel.
In the statement, Atlantis Paediatric Hospital confirmed receiving a letter dated
Feb. 25, conveying the decisions of Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation
Panel (MDPIP), in March.
The management added that the letter communicated an interim suspension of the
hospital’s Chief Medical Director in connection with the case.
The hospital, however, reaffirmed confidence in the professionalism of its medical
team and the care provided at the facility.
“We have reviewed the communication from the MDCN and intended to engage
appropriate professional and regulatory bodies regarding issues arising from the
panel’s findings.
The hospital also explained that it would refrain from extensive public commentary
on the matter because the case was already before the Lagos State Coroner’s Court.
It said it would present a full explanation of its role during proceedings before the
Court, which is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s
death.
“Our decision is consequent upon realising that the matter is already before the
Coroner’s Court of Lagos State that is conducting an ongoing inquiry into the
circumstances surrounding the death of a patient.
“Due to the pendency of this matter before the court and out of respect for judicial
integrity and process, our hospital will exercise restraint in making any public
commentary on matters that are currently before a court of law,” it stated.
Atlantis, however, emphasised that it remained fully committed to cooperating
with the coroner’s Inquest and any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the
facts of the incident.
