Liberia Medical and Dental Council Concludes Investigation into the Death of Jamesetta Kugmeh, Cites Medical Complications Instead of Organ Removal

By: Sam Payedoo

Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has finalized its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 28-year-old Jamesetta Kugmeh, ruling out allegations of kidney removal and attributing her passing instead to kidney failure and internal complications. The announcement brings closure to a case that sparked widespread public concern and protests over perceived medical negligence.

Jamesetta Kugmeh died on May 20 at JFK Medical Center in Monrovia, a development that ignited outrage among her family and the public. Rumors and accusations circulated quickly, alleging that the young woman’s kidney had been removed during a surgical procedure, raising fears of malpractice and organ theft. These claims prompted demonstrations outside medical facilities and calls for accountability from health authorities.

In response, the LMDC, the regulatory body responsible for overseeing medical practice in Liberia, launched a comprehensive investigation involving multiple hospitals, including JFK Medical Center and Ghana Teaching Hospital. Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews, Chairperson of the Council, confirmed that the investigation involved reviewing medical records, conducting interviews with healthcare providers, and consulting with forensic experts. 

“The investigation was thorough and transparent,” Dr. Andrews stated. “We engaged with several hospitals and specialists to ensure an unbiased review of the circumstances surrounding Ms. Kugmeh’s death. Our findings show no evidence of organ removal or any such illegal activity.”

The Council’s Ethics and Grievance Committee presented its findings to Kugmeh’s family and representatives from ELWA Hospital, where she was initially treated. According to the report, Jamesetta Kugmeh suffered from kidney failure, which was complicated by internal issues such as infections and organ damage, ultimately leading to her demise. The report emphasizes that her death was caused by medical complications typical of severe renal failure, rather than any illicit surgical procedures.

The investigation results have been met with a mixture of relief and disappointment. While the findings exonerate medical practitioners from allegations of organ theft, they also highlight the need for improved patient care and communication within Liberia’s healthcare system. Family members of Kugmeh expressed their relief upon hearing the results but lamented the loss of their loved one.

“The truth has finally come out,” said a family representative. “We are grateful that the Council cleared the doctors of any wrongdoing, but we mourn the loss of Jamesetta and hope this will lead to better medical practices in the future.”

The LMDC’s report underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in medical practice and transparency in handling patient cases. Dr. Andrews acknowledged ongoing challenges within the healthcare sector and called for increased investment in medical infrastructure, training, and patient education.

Meanwhile, health authorities continue to advocate for prompt and accurate diagnosis, emphasizing that complications from kidney failure can often be misunderstood or misrepresented by the public. The case of Jamesetta Kugmeh serves as a reminder of the critical role of oversight bodies like the LMDC in safeguarding patient rights and ensuring accountability within Liberia’s medical community.

As Liberia continues to develop its healthcare system, the investigation into Kugmeh’s death underscores the importance of trust between patients and healthcare providers. The LMDC’s findings aim to restore confidence and ensure that future medical procedures are conducted ethically and responsibly.