Montserrado County District #3 Representative Hon. Sumo Kollie Mulbah has threatened to pursue legal action before the Supreme Court against the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center if authorities fail to address allegations of medical malpractice involving a woman identified as Jestina.
In a formal communication addressed to the management of JFK Medical Center, the Minister of Health, and women’s advocacy organizations, Rep. Mulbah called for what he described as urgent administrative and medical intervention, alleging that the patient suffered a severe spinal cord injury following an epidural procedure administered before a Caesarean section.
The lawmaker claimed that medical information from the hospital currently treating Jestina in India indicates that the injury resulted from a negligently performed epidural procedure.
He further alleged that officials associated with JFK Medical Center attempted to conceal the circumstances surrounding the case by asserting during a legislative conference that the patient had a pre-existing spinal condition.
Rep. Mulbah argued that medical consent forms should never be used to shield healthcare providers from accountability in cases of negligence.
“Medical standards, legal frameworks, and ethical oaths dictate that consent forms signed during childbirth or surgical procedures are meant to safeguard life, health, and dignity not to serve as a waiver for negligence, paralysis, or fatal mismanagement,” the statement said.
Describing the patient’s condition as critical, the lawmaker said Jestina is enduring severe physical trauma while undergoing treatment in India and requires specialized neurological care.
Rep. Mulbah outlined three key demands. He called for the immediate transfer of Jestina to a more advanced tertiary hospital in India capable of providing specialized spinal rehabilitation and neurological treatment.
He also demanded the suspension of the physician who allegedly performed the epidural and Caesarean section pending an independent investigation, as well as disciplinary action against any medical officials found to have provided false information regarding the patient’s medical history.
The legislator warned that failure by the relevant authorities to act promptly would leave him with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
“We are awaiting immediate administrative and medical intervention. Should these demands for justice, transparency, and patient transfer be ignored, we are fully prepared to escalate this matter to the Supreme Court, where formal legal action will be pursued to ensure complete justice against the hospital and accountable personnel,” the statement said.
Beyond the hospital, Rep. Mulbah criticized what he described as the silence of women’s rights organizations, urging them to advocate for the patient and others who may have suffered similar experiences.
He argued that the case raises broader concerns about accountability within Liberia’s healthcare system and called on civil society organizations, healthcare regulators, and the Ministry of Health to ensure that allegations of medical negligence are thoroughly investigated.
Responding to criticism over his involvement in the matter, Rep. Mulbah maintained that his legislative oversight responsibilities extend beyond constituency boundaries.
“As a member of the Montserrado Caucus, my legislative supervision calls for a great commitment to improving healthcare services while making sure that medical institutions are accountable to the communities they serve,” he stated.
At the time of publication, neither JFK Medical Center nor the Ministry of Health had publicly responded to the allegations or the lawmaker’s demands.
