A Lagos-based private healthcare facility, Euracare Hospital, has launched an internal investigation following allegations by acclaimed writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that negligence at the hospital led to the death of her 21-month-old son.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the toddler, Nkanu Nnamdi—one of Adichie’s twin sons—died after a brief illness.
Adichie alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being careless and fatally negligent. According to her, the child initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later worsened rapidly into a severe infection.
In response, Euracare Hospital, in a statement issued on Saturday, expressed sympathy to Adichie and her family, describing the loss as “profound and unimaginable.” The hospital, however, maintained that some reports surrounding the incident were inaccurate.
Euracare said the child was critically ill and had been referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving treatment at two other paediatric centres.
It added that its medical team provided immediate care in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted standards, working in collaboration with external medical teams as recommended by the family.
The hospital noted that despite these efforts, the child died less than 24 hours after arrival.
Euracare also confirmed that it had commenced a detailed internal investigation in line with its clinical governance standards and best practices, reiterating its commitment to transparency, patient safety, and continued support for the bereaved family.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Chimamanda Adichie and her family on the loss of their son,” the statement read. “As medical professionals, we carry the weight of this loss deeply. Our priority remains compassion, patient safety, and the responsible handling of this matter while respecting the family’s privacy and due process.”
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