A Lagos-based hospital, Euracare Multi-Specialist, has faulted the suspension of two of its doctors by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigations Panel over the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

In a statement on Wednesday, the hospital said that its medical director, Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, and the anaesthesiologist, Dr Titus Ogundare, were affected. 

“We remain fully committed to cooperating with all relevant regulatory and judicial authorities in the course of their inquiries,” the statement said.

 “We however wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team,” the hospital added.

The hospital described both doctors as experienced professionals with long-standing records in delivering quality healthcare in Nigeria, “at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.” 

It also noted that it had conducted a thorough internal review of what happened at the clinic, “in line with our clinical governance standards and best practices.”

The hospital also raised concerns about how the proceedings were conducted so far. 

“Certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” the statement read. 

It also expressed alarm over what it described as breaches of patient and institutional confidentiality, saying these disclosures “appear to have been made outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.”

The hospital noted its commitment to fairness and transparency saying, “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 statement said the hospital sympathised with the family, noting that “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 suspension comes after the tragic death of Ms Adichie’s son on January 6, where she alleged that her son was administered an excessive dose of propofol, was not properly monitored, and later suffered cardiac arrest.

The case is also before the Yaba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, which adjourned the coroner’s inquest into the toddler’s death to April 14. 

The MDCN panel earlier suspended three doctors based on the development.

The doctors affected included Dr Tosin Majekodunmi, the Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Dr Titus Ogundare, the hospital’s anaesthesiologist, and Dr Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.

The suspension subsists ending the outcome of the case.