ABUJA: Atlantis Paediatric Hospital has expressed reservations over aspects of the findings contained in the interim report of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) regarding the death of Master Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of acclaimed author Chimamanda Adichie.
The hospital’s position was contained in a statement issued by its management and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday.
The MDCN had earlier established a prima facie case of medical negligence and professional misconduct in the handling of the child’s treatment.
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 by submitting affidavits and presenting oral testimony before the MDCN Investigative Panel.
Atlantis Paediatric Hospital confirmed receiving a letter dated February 25 conveying the decisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel (MDPIP), which was received in March.
The hospital management said the letter communicated the interim suspension of its Chief Medical Director in connection with the case.
However, the hospital 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 intend to engage appropriate professional and regulatory bodies regarding issues arising from the panel’s findings,” the management stated.
The hospital said it would refrain from making extensive public comments on the matter because the case was already before the Lagos State Coroner’s Court.
According to the management, the hospital will provide a full explanation of its role during the proceedings before the court, which is 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 said.
Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, however, emphasised its commitment to cooperating fully with the coroner’s inquest and any lawful investigation aimed at establishing the facts of the incident.
The hospital also extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“Our thoughts and sincere sympathies remain with the Adichie-Esege family following the sad loss of their child.
“The loss of a child is an immeasurably painful experience, and we extend our empathy to the family at this very difficult time,” the management said.
The hospital also thanked patients, families and stakeholders for their understanding and reiterated its commitment to providing healthcare in line with the highest standards of paediatric medical practice.
