By Abiola Olawale
Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital has officially challenged the recent suspension of its medical personnel by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The hospital raised concerns regarding “due process” and “confidentiality” following the panel’s decision to bar three senior doctors from practicing in Nigeria.
The controversy stemmed from the tragic death of Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the 21-month-old son of world-renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel established a prima facie case of medical negligence.
As a result, Tunde Majekodunmi, Euracare’s medical director; Titus Ogundare, the anaesthesiologist; and Atinuke Uwajeg, the chief medical officer of Atlantis, were suspended.
The three doctors are barred from practising medicine in Nigeria pending the determination of their cases by the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ disciplinary tribunal.
The panel also found evidence of professional misconduct against 10 other doctors from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital, highlighting a broader investigation into the chain of care provided to the toddler.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital defended its staff while expressing profound sympathy for the Adichie family. The hospital management characterized the MDCN’s investigation as having “procedural gaps.”
The hospital expressed confidence in the professionalism and integrity of the two suspended doctors, describing them as experienced practitioners with years of service to patients in Nigeria.
“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 statement reads.
Euracare noted that since the commencement of the matter, it had conducted a thorough internal review of the clinical events in question in line with its governance standards and best practices.
It added that it has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and would continue to engage openly with all inquiries.
The hospital, however, drew attention to what it termed serious concerns arising from the proceedings.
“It is our position that certain established processes and protocols have not been followed in the manner required,” it said.
“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.”
According to the hospital, every party involved in the matter, including the institution and its staff, is entitled to a process conducted with rigour, impartiality, and respect for established rules.
The hospital said it would be raising its concerns through appropriate legal and regulatory channels.
While defending its doctors, Euracare also expressed empathy for the family of the deceased child, noting that the loss of a child is “a grief without measure.”
“We carry that awareness in everything we say and do in relation to this matter,” it added.
