By Bill W. Cooper
A woman identified as Jamesetta Kugmeh is pleading for assistance after suffering severe complications following what she claims was a botched cesarean section at the ELWA Hospital in Paynesville.
The distressing situation has raised concerns about surgical practices and patient safety in the country’s healthcare system, especially so that other Liberians have lost their lives to similar mistakes by other health facilities, including Catholic Hospital and Hope for Women Clinic.
On Facebook over the weekend, Madam Kugmeh wrote, “What have ELWA Hospital Doctors done to my kidneys and urethra that they are not functioning? I need an answer now!”
She explained, “Dr. Yeasu, I need answers. On February 24, 2025, I left my house healthy for an ordinary ANC visit, and they said I was post-due and needed induction. I told them that even my first pregnancy was the same thing, and I waited for God’s time, but they held me there.”
“Send me to the ward for induction, which failed by 7:27 pm. I suffered in pain till February 25 when they said the cervix was not dilating so I needed a Cesarean section (C/S); my partner refused, but since I understand and know that C/S is just a minor thing, I accepted, not knowing I’m accepting my death.
One C/S with many complications, delay to refer me, my kidneys are not working, my liver is dying, my womb was removed, my Urethra collapsed, sustain burn on my legs and back and nothing I’m understanding,” she grieved.
According medical experts, a cesarean section, or C-section, is a surgical procedure where a baby is delivered through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
This surgical procedure is preformed, according to medical sources, when a vaginal birth poses risks to the mother or baby
Madam Kugmeh further lamented, “I have undergone eight sections of dialysis, no Urine yet. I need answers from ELWA. I want to die, knowing why you killed me. I’m calling on the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), Liberian Board of Nursing & Midwifery, Ministry of Health, to please look into my case. I’m dying in JFK slowly.”
Meanwhile, the situation has sparked serious concerns among the citizenry in and out of the country, with calls for an investigation into the practices at the Hospital and demanding better oversight of surgical procedures in the country.
“This is not just about one woman; it is about the safety of all citizens in the country as such, we need to ensure that our healthcare system is held to the highest standards, especially when it comes to something as critical as childbirth,” they added.
Meanwhile, officials at ELWA Hospital have yet to release a statement concerning the lady’s allegation against the Hospital as the investigation continues.