Monrovia – Greater than seven months after the Supreme Courtroom of Liberia upheld a ruling awarding US$350,000 in damages to Karen Gaydou Sehkehporh, the federal government and the John F. Kennedy Medical Heart (JFK) are but to make any fee. For Sehkehporh, whose well being is quickly deteriorating, the delay has left her in medical desperation and emotional torment.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Sehkehporh, a resident of Clay Ashland, was the sufferer of a botched hysterectomy at JFK in 2019, when surgical gauze was left inside her stomach. The error led to a number of corrective surgical procedures, a near-death expertise, and lasting trauma, together with the event of a fistula situation.
A Authorized Battle Received, However Justice Delayed
In November 2023, Civil Regulation Courtroom “B” discovered JFK accountable for malpractice after damning testimonies from the hospital’s personal workers and administration, who admitted partially financing Sehkehporh’s corrective therapy at non-public hospitals.
Trial Choose Ousman F. Feika affirmed the jury’s verdict, ruling that JFK had “uncared for its obligation of care” and that proof of wrongdoing was “overwhelming.”
In February 2025, the Supreme Courtroom upheld the choice, awarding Sehkehporh US$350,000 generally damages. But enforcement has stalled, mired in “bureaucratic silence.”
No Replace, No Cash, Mounting Struggling
In July 2025, Sehkehporh wrote to her lawyer, Cllr. F. Juah Lawson of Renaissance Regulation Group, expressing frustration. “Thus far, I’ve acquired no official steering concerning the enforcement steps, anticipated timeline, or authorized obstacles. Your silence is deeply unsettling, particularly contemplating the bodily and emotional toll this example has taken on me.”
Her lawyer later moved the courtroom, prompting Choose Scheaplor R. Dunbar to summon JFK’s CEO, Dr. Linda Birch, in chambers. Choose Dunbar reportedly ordered the fee by the top of July. But, as September attracts to an in depth, Sehkehporh has acquired nothing.
Forms or Willful Delay?
Cllr. Lawson earlier advised FrontPage Africa that the matter now rests with the Ministry of Justice. When contacted once more on September 23, she declined to remark, saying was aattending a convention.
JFK has reportedly submitted a letter to the Ministry requesting authorities processing of the fee. Nonetheless, JFK Communications Director Josephine Seekey didn’t reply to repeated calls and WhatsApp messages from FrontPage Africa.
On the Ministry of Justice, Communications Director Jutonue Kollie promised to succeed in out to the related part dealing with the case however later gave no response.
Authorized specialists query the delay, stressing that when the Supreme Courtroom points a ultimate judgment, execution must be computerized, particularly when the defendant is a public establishment.
“This isn’t only a civil enforcement situation, it’s an ethical failure. A girl has suffered irreparable hurt and gained in courtroom, but the federal government is treating the judgment as if it’s non-compulsory,” mentioned a authorized analyst aware of the case.
A Cry for Assist
Sehkehporh’s well being has now reached a vital level. Talking with FrontPage Africa, she broke down:
“I’m battling well being points and one of many victims of medical malpractice in Liberia. My imaginative and prescient is so unhealthy I can’t see clearly. I can’t eat for my stomach to get stuffed, neither can I drink to quench my thirst. At evening, I put a towel underneath me in order that no matter fluid comes from my stomach button doesn’t spill on the mattress. I’m in severe ache from morning to nighttime. Whereas others sleep, I cry till 6 or 7 a.m. I used to be robust and energetic for individuals who knew me. My whole life was taken away similar to that. I want pressing medical consideration overseas, as a result of I’m nothing however pores and skin and bones.”
She known as on the administration to abide by the courtroom’s ruling.
“I’m dying slowly. I assumed the regulation had spoken. I assumed justice was achieved,” she mentioned.
A Name to Motion
Observer say the case is now not nearly one lady’s struggle with Liberia’s largest public hospital. It has turn into a check of the federal government’s willingness to uphold the regulation, implement courtroom rulings, and shield residents’ rights.
As the federal government prepares its subsequent price range and seeks worldwide assist for healthcare reform, the plight of Karen Gaydou Sehkehporh stands as a painful reminder that justice delayed is justice denied.
