Euracare Hospital rejects negligence allegations over death of Chimamanda Adichie’s son
Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has expressed deep condolences to celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her family following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu, while firmly disputing allegations of medical negligence levelled against the facility.
In an official statement released by its management, the Lagos-based hospital described the loss of a child as an “unimaginable tragedy” and said it empathises profoundly with the grief being experienced by the family.
The hospital noted that no words could adequately console parents faced with such a devastating loss.
However, Euracare also sought to clarify what it described as “inaccuracies” in reports circulating publicly about the circumstances surrounding the child’s treatment.
The hospital stressed that it is a reputable centre for complex medical care, staffed by an internationally trained and experienced clinical team, and operates in line with established clinical protocols and globally accepted standards.
According to the statement, the child was critically ill before arriving at Euracare and had already received care at two paediatric facilities before referral.
Euracare said the referral was specifically for diagnostic procedures, including imaging and related interventions, and that appropriate care — including sedation where medically indicated — was administered upon arrival.
The hospital stated that its medical team worked collaboratively with external specialists recommended by the family and ensured all necessary clinical support was provided. Despite these efforts, the child passed away less than 24 hours after being admitted.
Euracare further disclosed that it has initiated an internal investigation in line with its clinical governance framework and pledged to cooperate fully with regulatory authorities.
The hospital emphasised its commitment to transparency, patient safety, and due process, while also respecting the family’s privacy during their period of mourning.
The hospital’s response follows a detailed personal account by Chimamanda Adichie, in which she accused Euracare of grave medical negligence, alleging lapses in monitoring, anaesthetic administration, and protocol adherence during what were meant to be routine procedures.
Her account, confirmed by her media team, has generated widespread public debate and renewed scrutiny of private healthcare standards in Nigeria.
Euracare concluded by stating that its medical professionals carry the weight of the loss deeply and remain focused on compassion, accountability, and responsible engagement as investigations continue.
The matter remains under review, with further developments expected as regulatory and medical assessments progress.
