Dare Babalola
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has defended its clinical staff following the suspension of its Medical Director, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors. The hospital’s response comes after the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel suspended the doctors over the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege.
The child was one of the twin sons of renowned author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege. The hospital described its doctors as professionals.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the hospital emphasised its commitment to cooperating with regulatory authorities while reaffirming confidence in the professionalism of its staff.
“Our attention has been drawn to widespread media reports concerning the interim suspension orders and other findings issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel against thirteen doctors, two of whom are our clinical staff members, in connection with the ongoing proceedings relating to the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege,” the hospital said.
The statement stressed the experience and integrity of the suspended doctors, Dr Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare.
“We, however, wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team. Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years.
“Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities,” the hospital stated.
It also noted that a thorough internal review of the clinical events had been conducted in line with clinical governance standards and best practices.
While defending its staff, Euracare highlighted concerns over procedural lapses during the investigation.
“We are also compelled to draw attention to a number of serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings. It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement said.
The hospital also raised issues of confidentiality breaches, “We have further noted, with deep concern, that matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.”
Euracare underscored its commitment to fairness and due process, “We wish to state that we stand by the principles of equality, fairness, and good governance. Every party in this matter, including our institution and our staff, is entitled to a process that is conducted with rigour, impartiality, and respect for the rules that govern it. We will be raising these concerns through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels.”
The hospital also extended sympathy to the family of Nkanu Esege. “We continue to empathise with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. The loss of a child is a grief without measure, and we carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter,” the statement said.
