Jamesetta Kugmeh, a 28-year-old expectant mother and practicing nurse, tragically passed away after alleged medical malpractice at ELWA Hospital in Paynesville, Liberia, followed by complications during her treatment in Ghana and subsequent return to Liberia. Her death has sparked outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her deteriorating health. Kugmeh’s ordeal began with what was intended to be a routine delivery at ELWA Hospital. However, the procedure led to a cascade of severe complications, including kidney failure, liver damage, third-degree burns, a collapsed urethra, and ultimately, the removal of her womb. Distressed by the rapid decline in her health, Kugmeh suspected foul play and, in a heartbreaking final plea, urged her family to request an autopsy upon her death. She expressed concern about discrepancies in her medical reports from both Ghana and Liberia, fueling her suspicion that negligence or malpractice had played a role in her deteriorating condition.
Kugmeh’s initial complaint stemmed from her experience during a Cesarean section (C-section) performed at ELWA Hospital. She alleged an “operational blunder” by the medical staff. According to Kugmeh, she went to the hospital for a routine Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) checkup. Despite informing the nurse that her pregnancies typically extended beyond the usual timeframe, she was admitted against her will due to hospital policy. Although the ANC results indicated both she and the baby were healthy, she was kept in the ward and subsequently underwent a C-section the following day. She claimed the surgery was performed by a Dr. Yasu, rather than the expected Dr. Susay. Post-surgery, Kugmeh experienced severe bleeding, and her uterus failed to contract. This led to a second procedure, a total hysterectomy, after which her condition continued to worsen.
The sequence of events leading to Kugmeh’s death began on February 24, 2025, when she visited ELWA Hospital for a routine ANC checkup. Despite no apparent complications, she was admitted and subjected to an unplanned C-section. Following the surgery, she experienced severe complications and underwent a hysterectomy. Her condition continued to deteriorate, necessitating her transfer to John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital. In an attempt to improve her health, she was later transferred to Ghana for further treatment. While initial reports suggested she was recovering, her condition took a turn for the worse upon her return to Liberia, ultimately leading to her death at John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital on May 20, 2025.
Activist Martin K.N. Kollie, who had initiated a fundraiser for Kugmeh’s treatment and recovery, expressed shock and disbelief at the news of her death. He noted that her return to Liberia was against his advice and without his knowledge. Just days before her passing, Kollie had publicly announced her apparent recovery, further highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of her demise. The conflicting information surrounding her health status underscores the urgency for a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of her death. The family’s plea for an autopsy echoes Kugmeh’s own suspicion that something had been amiss in her medical care.
Kugmeh’s case raises critical questions about the quality of healthcare in Liberia and the need for accountability within the medical profession. Her tragic death highlights the vulnerability of patients and the importance of ensuring that healthcare providers adhere to the highest standards of care. The emotional appeal made by Kugmeh on her deathbed, coupled with the discrepancies in her medical reports, warrants a thorough and transparent investigation into her case. The circumstances surrounding her death demand answers for her grieving family and serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improvements in Liberia’s healthcare system.
The circumstances surrounding Jamesetta Kugmeh’s death serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of patient advocacy, transparency in healthcare, and the need for accountability within the medical system. Her case highlights the potential for medical malpractice and the devastating consequences that can follow. A comprehensive investigation is essential to determine the extent to which medical negligence contributed to her death and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Justice for Jamesetta demands a full and transparent accounting of the events that led to her untimely passing, and a commitment to improving the quality and safety of healthcare for all.
