By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Paynesville, Liberia – A heartbreaking case of alleged medical negligence at ELWA Hospital has sparked outrage and calls for urgent reforms in Liberia’s maternal healthcare system. On Monday, women’s health advocates, led by the Women’s Well-Being Initiative (WWBI) CEO Adama Sheriff Pawuja, delivered a powerful petition at ELWA Hospital, demanding accountability for a harrowing medical ordeal that left a young mother fighting for her life.
The petition follows the tragic experience of a woman who visited the hospital for a routine antenatal check-up on February 24. According to her testimony, doctors declared her pregnancy overdue and insisted on inducing labor—despite her objections and past experience of natural labor progression. The induction failed, and doctors proceeded with a cesarean section (C-section), which led to severe post-surgical complications.
Instead of a safe delivery, the mother suffered kidney failure, liver damage, a collapsed urethra, severe burns on her legs and back, and the removal of her womb. She has since undergone multiple dialysis sessions at JFK Medical Center, yet her condition remains critical.
In a desperate plea for answers, she took to social media, asking:
“What have ELWA Hospital doctors done to my kidneys and urethra that they are not functioning? Dr. Yeasu, I need answers! Since February 24, I left my house healthy for an ordinary ANC visit. Now my kidneys are failing, my liver is dying, and I have no womb. I am dying in JFK slowly.”
Her emotional testimony has ignited public outrage, with health advocates demanding immediate intervention.
WWBI’s Demands for Urgent Action
The Women’s Well-Being Initiative is urging Liberia’s health authorities, including the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), the Liberian Board of Nursing & Midwifery, and the Ministry of Health, to take swift and decisive action:
Full Investigation & Accountability
A thorough inquiry into ELWA Hospital’s handling of this case, ensuring those responsible for negligence or malpractice are held accountable.
Mandatory Training for Medical Professionals
Continuous education on maternal care, ethical medical practices, and respect for patient autonomy and informed consent.
Stronger Patient Advocacy & Oversight
Establishment of independent patient protection mechanisms, ensuring that victims can report negligence without fear of retaliation.
Improved Healthcare Infrastructure
Investment in better-equipped hospitals with trained specialists to handle high-risk pregnancies and post-surgical complications.
Liberians Demand Change
The tragic case at ELWA Hospital has reignited concerns about maternal mortality and healthcare quality in Liberia. Many women fear they may face similar fates due to medical negligence, lack of accountability, and under-resourced hospitals.
Public reactions have been swift and passionate, with social media users sharing the victim’s story under the hashtag #JusticeForLiberianMothers. Women across Liberia are now mobilizing to demand systemic healthcare reforms.
As the petition gains momentum, all eyes are on the Ministry of Health and medical regulatory bodies. Will they take action to ensure justice for this mother and prevent similar tragedies?
For now, the victim continues to fight for her life, waiting for the answers she—and countless other Liberian women—deserve.
