Euracare Multispecialist Hospital has denied allegations of medical negligence following the death of the son of acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, while expressing sympathy with the family and confirming that an internal investigation is underway.
The hospital’s response follows public comments by Adichie describing what she says were failures in care leading up to her son’s death, triggering widespread public scrutiny and debate over standards of paediatric care and medical accountability in Nigeria’s private healthcare system.
What Happened: A Critically Ill Child and a Late Referral
According to Euracare, the child was critically ill and had received treatment at two paediatric centres before being referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures. The hospital said the referral was not for primary admission but for targeted investigations, and that the patient arrived in a severely compromised condition.
Euracare stated that upon arrival, its clinical team immediately commenced care in line with established protocols and internationally accepted medical standards, including sedation where clinically indicated.
Despite these interventions, the hospital said the child died less than 24 hours after presentation.
Adichie’s Account: Allegations of Delays and Failures in Care
In her public account, Adichie alleged that there were critical lapses in her son’s treatment, including delays in responding to his deteriorating condition and failures in clinical judgement. She suggested that earlier intervention or different decisions might have changed the outcome.
Her account has resonated widely, prompting emotional reactions and renewed calls for stronger oversight of private hospitals, clearer emergency escalation procedures, and better communication with families during medical crises.
While Adichie has not framed her claims in formal legal language, her narrative has been widely interpreted as an allegation of medical negligence and systemic failure.
Euracare’s Response: Rejection of Negligence Claims
In a press statement issued on Friday, Euracare said it was necessary “for the record” to clarify what it described as inaccuracies in reports circulating about the incident.
“Our facility is a reputable centre for complex medical care, led by an internationally trained and experienced clinical team,” the hospital said. “Care was provided in line with established clinical protocols and internationally accepted medical standards.”
The hospital also said it worked collaboratively with external medical teams recommended by the family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was made available during the child’s brief admission.
Internal Investigation and Regulatory Processes
Euracare confirmed that it has commenced a detailed internal investigation consistent with its clinical governance framework and best practices. The hospital pledged to engage transparently with all regulatory and professional review processes that may arise.
“We recognise that the family is grieving an irreplaceable loss and we shall continue to support them in any way that may bring comfort during this devastating period,” the statement said.
A Case That Raises Broader Questions
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the case has reopened difficult questions about medical accountability, referral protocols, and emergency decision-making in Nigeria’s healthcare system—particularly within high-end private facilities that market international standards of care.
For now, the hospital insists that due process must be allowed to take its course, while Adichie’s account continues to shape public perception of the events.
As Euracare put it: “As medical professionals, we carry the weight of this loss deeply. Our priority remains compassion, patient safety, and the responsible handling of this matter, while respecting the family’s privacy.”
The statement was signed by the management of Euracare Multispecialist Hospital.
