The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has indicted three Premier Specialists doctors following an inquiry into the death of a popular Lagos Chef, Peju Ugboma.
41-year-old Peju, the founder of the pastry company I Luv Desserts, died on April 25 at Evercare Hospital in Lekki where she was rushed to after she developed complications from surgery performed at the Premier Specialists Medical Centre in Victoria Island.
The pastry chef was said to have suffered internal bleeding after the surgery, which made her condition deteriorate.
She was later admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital, where she was placed on a respirator.
Her family accused the hospital of sedating her intravenously, adding that Peju was moved to Evercare Hospital in Lekki Phase 1 for a CT scan and dialysis.
However, it was discovered at the hospital that she did not have a pulse and she was pronounced dead.
After a public outcry on social media, the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency stated that an order had been given for a probe of the death.
The MDCN has now found a prima facie case of professional misconduct against Doctors Akiseku Adeniyi Kazeem, Kelechi Kingsley Renner and Motunrayo Amadu.
An investigative panel looked into a petition by Ijoma Ugboma, husband of the deceased, and reached a decision on October 28, 2021.
A letter to the widower, signed by MDCN Secretary, Dr E. D. Abudu, was made public on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
The council announced that the doctors will face the Medical and Dental Practitioners Tribunal.
The letter read in part, “The Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigation Panel at its 10th session held at the Council Chambers, Medical and Dental Council House, Plot 1102 Cadastral Zone B11, Kaura District, Abuja, on Thursday, 28th October 2021 investigated your petition.
“The investigation is concluded. The panel determined that a prima facie case of misconduct in professional respect is established against Dr Akiseku Adenlyi Kazeem, Dr Kelechi Kingsley Renner and Dr Motunrayo Amadu.
“The three respondent doctors have been referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for adjudication.”
The letter added that the panel could not establish a prima facie case against the other doctors listed by the deceased’s husband.
Olisa Agbakoba Legal (OAL) represented the petitioner, requested a coroner’s inquest into Peju’s death and allegations of negligence against Premier Specialists.
The inquest is ongoing at the Magistrate Court in Ogba, Lagos.
