The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has suspended three doctors following findings of alleged medical negligence linked to the death of the 21-month-old son of award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The disciplinary action was taken after an investigation by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, which examined the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege.
Doctors Suspended Over Medical Negligence Case
Those suspended include the Medical Director of Euracare Multi‑Specialist Hospital, Dr. Tunde Majekodunmi, the hospital’s anesthesiologist Dr. Titus Ogundare, and Dr. Atinuke Uwajeh, the Chief Medical Officer at Atlantis Pediatric Hospital.
The MDCN panel ordered that the three doctors be barred from practising medicine in Nigeria until their cases are fully determined by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.
How the Incident Happened
According to Chimamanda Adichie, the incident occurred in early January 2026 after her son developed what initially appeared to be a common cold but later progressed into a serious infection.
The toddler was taken to Euracare Hospital in Lagos for an MRI scan and the insertion of a central line during treatment. During the procedure, the child was sedated with propofol.
Adichie alleged that the child was not properly monitored after the sedative was administered.
She said complications soon followed, including loss of responsiveness, seizures, and eventually cardiac arrest.
In a statement recounting the incident, the writer said her son “would be alive today” if the events that unfolded at the hospital had not occurred.
Panel Investigation and Findings
The MDCN investigation panel reviewed complaints filed against 21 doctors involved in the case.
After examining affidavits, counter-affidavits, and sworn testimonies, the panel concluded that there was a prima facie case of professional misconduct against several practitioners.
While three doctors were suspended, the panel also found evidence of possible misconduct involving 10 other medical professionals whose cases will face further review.
Eight doctors who were part of the medical team were cleared of wrongdoing after the panel’s assessment.
The investigation sessions were concluded during the panel’s 25th sitting held in Abuja in February 2026, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing scrutiny of medical negligence and professional accountability in healthcare.
