Experts Warn Of Systemic Failures After Hospital Tragedy
Anaesthesia Safety Under Scrutiny After Child’s Death
THE death of a 21-month-old child during a medical procedure at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos has triggered renewed scrutiny of anaesthesia practice in Nigeria, as medical experts warn of a critical shortage of qualified anaesthetists and weak enforcement of patient safety standards.
The incident, which has drawn national attention following legal action by the family of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has raised broader questions about accountability, staffing, and oversight in private healthcare facilities.
Call for Independent Investigation
The Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Speaking on the matter, the Society’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Nnanna Agwu, said both the hospital’s explanation and the family’s allegations must be independently examined.
According to him, the death of a patient—especially a child—cannot be treated lightly, stressing that investigations should aim not only at determining liability but also at identifying systemic gaps.
The NSA formally commended the Lagos State Government for directing the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to probe the incident, while insisting that a senior consultant anaesthetist must be included on the investigative panel to ensure technical credibility.
Shortage of Anaesthetists Raises Red Flags
Beyond the specific case, experts say the tragedy highlights a deeper structural crisis. Dr. Agwu disclosed that Nigeria currently has fewer than 1,000 consultant anaesthetists nationwide, a figure far below international benchmarks.
Some states, he noted, operate with as few as 10 to 15 consultants, creating severe workloads and increasing the risk of errors. He warned that anaesthesia drugs are potent and potentially fatal when administered incorrectly, making the involvement of untrained personnel particularly dangerous.
Legal Ultimatum and Allegations of Negligence
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege, have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Euracare Hospital, demanding full disclosure of medical records and preservation of all evidence related to their son’s death.
In a letter dated 10 January 2026, the law firm accused the hospital of multiple lapses in paediatric anaesthetic care, including concerns over drug choice, monitoring, airway management, and oxygen supply.
The lawyers warned that failure to comply would trigger further legal and regulatory action, escalating a case that is already reshaping public debate on patient safety in Nigeria.
