As Adichie Son’s Inquest Nears, Medical Council Suspends Three Doctors Over Alleged Negligence in Toddler’s Death, Triggering Child Protection Questions
The council announced the interim suspension of Tosin Majekodunmi, Medical Director of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital; Titus Ogundare, an anaesthesiologist at the hospital; and Atinuke Uwajeh, Chief Medical Director of Atlantis Paediatric Hospital.
The decision followed the conclusion of the MDCN Investigative Panel’s 25th session in Abuja, where members determined that a prima facie case of medical negligence had been established against the three practitioners in connection with the toddler’s death.
According to the council, the suspensions will remain in effect pending formal disciplinary proceedings before the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal. The tribunal will examine evidence and determine whether professional misconduct or negligence occurred.
The MDCN emphasised that the suspensions are interim measures and do not represent a final determination of liability. The affected practitioners will have the opportunity to defend themselves during the disciplinary hearing.
In addition, the panel found evidence of professional misconduct involving 10 other practitioners from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, whose cases have also been referred to the disciplinary tribunal for further review.
Beyond individual accountability, the case has drawn wider attention to child protection and safeguarding standards in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Medical experts and child rights advocates say the death of a toddler during medical care raises urgent questions about paediatric safety protocols, monitoring standards during sedation, emergency preparedness, and the duty of hospitals to prioritise the best interests of the child.
The regulatory action comes as the Lagos coroner’s court prepares to begin formal hearings into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Observers say the inquest could help clarify what happened, identify systemic failures if any, and reinforce the obligation of healthcare providers to safeguard children’s right to life and safe medical care.
