Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, acclaimed Nigerian author, accuses Lagos hospital of blocking investigation into death of her 21-month-old son,Nkanu. He died at Euracare Hospital on January 7 after several diagnostic tests,including MRI and spinal tap.
Adichie says hospital "stalled and muddied and obfuscated" inquiry,which was set to start in April. She's now turned to Nigeria's Federal High Court to stop hospital from blocking inquest. An earlier probe by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria pointed to possible medical negligence by Euracare.
In letter on social media,Adichie shared her frustration. Why would Euracare delay and distract if it truly wanted truth? "If Euracare cares about the truth,then why create delays and distractions and now,finally, try to stop an inquest?" she wrote.
The author,known for Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah,said son's death certificate listed bacterial meningitis. She disputes it due to lack of medical proof. Adichie and family claim Nkanu was denied oxygen,given excess sedation, leading to cardiac arrest.
Adichie’s letter slammed hospital for incomplete, inaccurate medical records,calling their handling "strikingly unprofessional." Hospital expressed "deepest sympathies" over Nkanu's death but insists care met international standards.
Nkanu was admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos with worsening illness before referral to Euracare for pre-flight check. He was to be moved to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for more treatment. Tragically,he died soon after reaching Euracare.
Adichie, living in US,was in Nigeria for Christmas when tragedy hit. Her public statements after son's death spotlight broader issues in Nigeria's healthcare system,calling for accountability and reform.
The situation has sparked debate on medical negligence in Nigeria,many urging improved healthcare standards. As inquest approaches,Adichie seeks justice for her son, grappling with deep grief…
