A Khorixas-based grieving grandmother is seeking N$7 million in compensation for the loss of her grandson and injuries sustained by her daughter during childbirth at the Khorixas District Hospital last month.
In a letter of demand dated 14 August and addressed to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, seen by The Namibian, The woman, who declined to be named said her nine-month pregnant daughter (32) was admitted to the hospital on 4 August.
Upon admission, medical staff discovered that the unborn child’s heart rate was dangerously low.
“Instead of operating on my daughter immediately to save my grandson, the hospital instead waited or refused, or whatever the case may be, until Saturday, 5 August, and by then, my grandson had already perished,” she said.
She alleged that the delay was a clear case of negligence on the part of the hospital staff, as they failed in their duty to provide adequate care to her daughter.
she further alleged that her daughter sustained severe injuries during the operation, including a significant intestinal injury. “My daughter lost her womb without her consent and as a result, will never have children again.
She also got badly injured during the operation, so bad that a piece of her intestine was cut,” she said.
she is also seeking a comprehensive medical report that outlines the events leading to the incident.
She also wants to know the names of the hospital staff who attended to her daughter, the individuals in charge on that fateful day, and the person responsible for the decision to delay the necessary operation.
“I demand the following damages for my grandson’s death, the removal of my daughter’s womb without her consent, the injuries suffered as the result of the operation and the emotional distress my daughter is suffering. I demand N$7 million as compensation for my daughter,” she said.
On Wednesday, she told The Namibian that her daughter is still grieving as a result of the loss.
She also said that since submitting the complaint, she has not heard from the ministry.
Health executive director Ben Nangombe confirmed having received the complaint.
He said in such incidents, investigations are instituted to establish the claims.
“The ministry will follow internal procedures to look into matters,” he said.
In June, The Namibian reported that during the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the ministry paid N$3,2 million in 12 medical lawsuits.
At the time, health minister Kalumbi Shangula said many of the lawsuits were obstetric cases associated with childbirth and related processes. “These cases are complicated. These things happen in unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
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