A grieving father is demanding answers, accountability, and justice following the sudden and tragic death of his son, allegedly due to medical negligence at a local clinic.
Mr. Gabriel H. Jartoe, a resident of Cotton Tree Community near the Baptist Seminary on the RIA Highway, has formally filed a malpractice complaint with the Liberia Medical & Dental Council (LMDC) against P-D Health Center, where his son, Arthur M. Merchant, received what was supposed to be routine care.
According to the complaint dated August 13, 2025, Arthur stepped on a nail on Sunday evening, August 10.
After discussions with his family, the young man sought treatment at P-D Health Center on Tuesday, August 12. At approximately 10:00 a.m., a tetanus injection was allegedly administered on him.
Just one hour later, the clinic reportedly contacted the family, informing them that Arthur was having a severe reaction to the injection.
He was rushed to the 14 Military Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“We are deeply dissatisfied,” Mr. Jartoe wrote in his complaint to the LMDC. “We are submitting this letter as an official malpractice complaint to investigate the cause and circumstances that led to the demise of my son.”
The incident has raised serious concerns about the quality of care at private medical facilities operating in peri-urban communities.
The exact nature of the medical reaction remains unclear, and the family is calling for a full investigation into the events that led to the death.
As of this report, the Liberia Medical & Dental Council has not publicly commented on the case. P-D Health Center has also not released a statement or responded to inquiries about the complaint.
The loss has shaken the Cotton Tree community, where Arthur was described as a bright and respectful young man with a promising future.
Residents are now calling on authorities to ensure that health facilities are held to professional standards, and that no family should have to experience such a painful loss due to alleged negligence.
The LMDC is expected to review the complaint and determine whether a formal investigation will be launched.
Meanwhile, Mr. Jartoe and his family continue to mourn, and await justice.
