ELWA Hospital Responds to Allegations of Medical Negligence Amid Protest
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – The management of ELWA Hospital in Paynesville has expressed deep empathy and extended prayers to Madam Jamesetta J. Kugmeh and her family following her deteriorating health condition after undergoing a cesarean section (C-section) operation. The procedure allegedly resulted in kidney and urethra complications, sparking outrage and protests at the hospital.
During a press conference on Monday, March 17, 2025, ELWA Hospital’s Chief Administrator, Mr. James Freeman Garway, addressed the concerns raised by Madam Kugmeh and her supporters. He emphasized the hospital’s commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly while respecting the patient’s privacy.
“We empathize with the patient and the family during these challenging times. We understand their pain and concerns, which have been widely shared on social media. We invite the family to meet with us for a conference to discuss these matters directly. An internal review is underway, and we remain committed to cooperating with the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) investigation,” Mr. Garway stated.
The press conference was attended by the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and senior management staff.
Earlier on Monday, dozens of Liberians staged a protest at ELWA Hospital, demanding justice for Madam Kugmeh. Protesters accused the hospital of negligence, describing the alleged mishandling of her case as “wicked and evil.”
“We are here because we want justice. This is not the first time such an incident has happened at this hospital. Many cases have gone unnoticed because the victims were not health professionals who could explain their conditions like Madam Kugmeh. We want answers: What happened to her kidney and liver? Why is she not urinating after a C-section?” one protester demanded.
Madam Kugmeh, a registered nurse, shared her ordeal in a heartbreaking video on Saturday, March 15, 2025. She recounted how her routine prenatal checkup at ELWA Hospital on February 24, 2025, turned into a nightmare. At 42 weeks and five days into her pregnancy, she was advised to remain hospitalized for delivery.
Trusting the medical team, Kugmeh consented to a C-section and a total hysterectomy—the surgical removal of her uterus and cervix—as recommended by the hospital. While her baby was delivered safely, her health rapidly deteriorated post-surgery. She was transferred to John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital in critical condition, suffering from unbearable pain, continuous bleeding, and kidney failure.
In her emotional account, Kugmeh alleged neglect and inadequate post-operative care at ELWA Hospital. She is now undergoing dialysis, raising questions about the state of her kidneys. Medical experts explain that dialysis is typically required for acute kidney injury (AKI) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Kugmeh emphasized that she had no prior history of kidney problems, leaving many to question whether her condition resulted from surgical complications.
When contacted, Mr. Augustus Walker, Director of Communications at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is handling the investigation.
“ELWA Hospital is a private facility, so the LMDC has the authority to investigate this matter. Once their findings are complete, the Ministry of Health will be informed and take appropriate action,” Walker explained.
The LMDC, an independent agency overseeing medical practices in Liberia, aims to ensure high-quality healthcare by enforcing regulations and guidelines.
As the investigation unfolds, Madam Kugmeh’s case has ignited a broader conversation about medical accountability and patient care in Liberia. Protesters and supporters are calling for transparency and justice, urging ELWA Hospital to take responsibility for its actions.
ELWA Hospital has pledged to cooperate fully with the LMDC investigation and maintain open communication with Madam Kugmeh’s family. Meanwhile, the public awaits answers, hoping for a resolution that ensures such incidents are prevented in the future.
