“Let’s Exercise Patience, Pray for Jamesetta” -ELWA Administrator Garway Pleads for Dying Patient

MONROVIA – In the wake of mounting public concerns over the deteriorating health situation of a young female patient and medical practitioner, Jamesetta Kugmeh, who has accused the ELWA hospital of administrative malpractices that have placed her life in jeopardy, the Administrator of the ELWA hospital, Reverend James Freeman Garway, on yesterday Monday held a harried press briefing at the faith-based hospital’s edifice in Paynesville where he apologized to the patient and her family.

Without providing any backdrop about the case involving patient Jamesetta Kugmeh or the extent of the reported investigation that is ongoing, the ELWA Hospital boss appealed to the public to exercise restraint as the medical authorities conduct their investigation to ascertain the case of the patient’s precarious health condition.

“We empathize with the patient and her family during this challenging time and understand how she feels. We note the concerns that have been shared on social media, in this regard, we invite the family to meet with us for a conference to discuss these matters directly. We are actively conducting our owmn internal review and remain committed to fully cooperating with the Liberia Medical & Dental Council (LNDC) investigation. Out of respect for the patient’s privacy and confidentiality, we are unable to share further details about the case at this time,” Reverend Garway said remorsefully, while calling on the public to continue praying with Jamesetta and her family and to hope for her full recovery.

“The best thing I can say is let the people continue to pray for her as she goes through this difficult time. We still have her on our minds, and we pray that God will strengthen her,” he said, while skillfully evading questions from the media about the outcome of an investigation that could throw light on the reasons for patient Jamesetta Kugmeh’s medical mishap.

Meanwhile, the President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), Benetta Collins Andrews, has acknowledged the widespread public interest in patient Jamesetta Kugmeh medical plight which she confirmed in a social media over the weekend.

“Came back to my lodging in Harper last evening to a lot of inbox messages, Facebook tags, and direct calls from well-meaning people regarding the health issues of Jamesetta. Thanks to the general public, as this indicates a strong interest in the work of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, which is a public agency enacted by law to regulate medical practice,” Madam Andrews wrote.

The LMDC, she promised, will definitely investigate this case, noting however, that adjudication of cases of medical malpractice is not a one-size-fits-all.

“The duration of investigations may take days, weeks, or months depending on the professional expertise needed and the availability of funding.” She furthered that such cases required the input of multiple medical experts, including an obstetrician/gynecologist to examine the labor and delivery process, a nephrologist to assess kidney function, and a radiologist to evaluate internal organ damage., noting that these specialists do not work for the LMDC but are engaged on a case-by-case basis and require compensation for their services.

“Medical regulation is a very expensive venture,” she stated, pointing out that the LMDC already has a backlog of cases that require funding for proper adjudication. She urged the relevant authorities to allocate resources to ensure timely and effective investigations.

Beginning of the nightnare

Patient Kugmeh’s nightmare on February 24, 2025 when she visited the ELWA Hospital for the normal antenatal care appointment.

According to Jamesetta who would later post about her condition from the JFK Hospital where she was  later transferred, she was healthy before going to the hospital  to give birth and out of the sudden, doctor do little came up with the wrong diagnosis, operated on her and now she is fighting for her life.

“What have ELWA Hospital doctors done to my kidneys and urethra that they are not functioning. Dr. Yealu I need answers oo. Since February 24 I left my house healthy for an ordinary ANC visit and they said I was post due and needed induction. I told them that even my first pregnancy it was the same thing and I waited for God time but they hold me there. Send me on the ward for induction which failed by 7: 27 pm. I suffer in pain till February 25 when they said the cervix was not dilating  so I needed Ceaserian section (C/S), My partner refused but since I understand and know that C/S is just a minor thing, I accepted not knowing I’m accepting my death ,  one C/S with many complications, delay to refer me, my kidneys are not working, my liver is dying, my womb was removed, my urethra collapsed, sustained burn on my legs and back, and nothing I’m understanding. I’ve undergo 8 sections of dialysis no uUrine yet??? I need answers from ELWA oooo, I want to die knowing why your kill me. I’m calling on the Liberia Medical and Dental Council – LMDC Liberian Board of Nursing & Midwifery Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia to please look into my case. I’m dying in JFK slowly. My people your please share this post!!!” lamented Jamesetta bitterly.