Jamesetta J. Kugmeh, a Liberian registered nurse, finds herself in dire straits following a Cesarean section delivery at ELWA Hospital in Paynesville, Liberia. She alleges medical malpractice, accusing the hospital’s medical staff of operational errors during the procedure that have led to kidney and urethra complications. Currently receiving care at John F. Kennedy Hospital, she endures uncontrollable bleeding, severe pain, and the inability to urinate naturally, relying on dialysis for survival. Kugmeh’s plea for help resonates through social media, where Liberians are rallying to raise funds for her to seek advanced medical treatment abroad, hoping to restore her urinary function and stem the relentless bleeding.
Kugmeh’s ordeal began on February 24, 2025, when she visited ELWA Hospital for a routine Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) test, a standard procedure during pregnancy to assess the baby’s ability to fight infection. Despite informing the nurses that her pregnancies typically extended beyond the usual term, she was admitted due to exceeding 42 weeks of gestation. Although both her and the baby’s vital signs were normal, the hospital insisted on her admission, citing hospital policy. The following day, she consented to a C-section, a procedure she understood well given her medical background. However, the surgery marked the beginning of a cascading series of complications.
Post-surgery, Kugmeh experienced profuse bleeding, attributed to a non-contracting uterus, a common occurrence, particularly in women who have had multiple pregnancies. Doctors then performed a total hysterectomy, a procedure to remove the uterus, in an attempt to control the bleeding. Despite this intervention, her condition continued to deteriorate, prompting her transfer to the Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) unit for monitoring and stabilization. While there, she required multiple blood transfusions and eventually slipped into shock, leading to her urgent transfer to John F. Kennedy Hospital.
At John F. Kennedy Hospital, Kugmeh’s medical team worked to stabilize her condition. However, the damage to her kidneys and urethra persists, leaving her reliant on dialysis. The bewildering addition of an X-lap procedure, typically associated with abdominal explorations, further deepened her concerns about the handling of her case at ELWA Hospital. Having no prior history of kidney or liver issues, she questions the necessity of this procedure and its potential contribution to her current predicament.
Kugmeh’s desperate situation has galvanized public support, with social media campaigns raising funds for potentially life-saving treatment abroad. She seeks answers and accountability, calling upon the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), the Liberia Board of Nursing and Midwifery, and the Ministry of Health to launch a thorough investigation into the events at ELWA Hospital. She believes a comprehensive inquiry is crucial not only for her own justice but also to prevent similar incidents from happening to other expectant mothers.
The unfolding tragedy of Jamesetta Kugmeh underscores the fragility of maternal healthcare systems, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Her case highlights the devastating consequences of potential medical errors and the urgent need for robust oversight and accountability within healthcare institutions. As she fights for her life, her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring safe and quality maternal care for all women. Her plea for help extends beyond her personal need for treatment; it’s a call for systemic change to protect the lives and well-being of mothers and their children.
