By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The management of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has defended its clinical staff following their interim suspension of its Medical Director, Dr Tunde Majekodunmi, and two other doctors by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigative Panel over the death of the son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, and her husband, Ivara Esege.
The hospital, in a statement released on Wednesday, March 4, said it is committed to cooperating with regulatory authorities while reaffirming confidence in the professionalism of its staff.
The statement stressed the experience and integrity of the suspended doctors, Dr Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare.
It said, “Our attention has been drawn to widespread media reports concerning the interim suspension orders and other findings issued by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel against thirteen doctors, two of whom are our clinical staff members, in connection with the ongoing proceedings relating to the death of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege.
“We, however, wish to place on record our confidence in the professionalism and integrity of our clinical team. Dr Tosin Majekodunmi and Dr Titus Ogundare are experienced professionals whose records of service to patients in Nigeria span many years.
“Both doctors have, in their respective careers, contributed meaningfully to the delivery of quality healthcare to Nigerian patients at a standard comparable to what is obtainable in the world’s leading medical facilities.”
The hospital added that a thorough internal review of the clinical events had been conducted in line with clinical governance standards and best practices.
It also highlighted concerns over procedural lapses during the investigation, alleging confidentiality breaches and that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required.
The statement read, “We are also compelled to draw attention to a number of serious concerns that have arisen in the course of these proceedings. It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required.
“We have further noted, with deep concern, that matters covered by patient and institutional confidentiality appear to have been disclosed outside the appropriate channels, and we consider this a serious breach that cannot go unaddressed.”
Euracare also maintained its commitment to fairness and due process, adding that the concerns noted would be raised through the appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
“We wish to state that we stand by the principles of equality, fairness, and good governance. 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,” it added.
The hospital also extended sympathy to the family of Nkanu Esege, saying, “We continue to empathise with the family of Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege. 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.”
Recall that the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, established by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), suspended the doctors after reviewing complaints surrounding the treatment of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi.
