The Daniel Muna Memorial Clinic in Douala has been accused of professional negligence, risking the lives of pregnant women and babies.
Speaking to MMI News, a victim who recently gave birth to twins at the clinic described the negligence as systemic.
“From entry to exit, things were not properly handled,” she told MMI. She believes hospital authorities must ensure proper care for pregnant women.
The victim, then 37 weeks pregnant, was discharged from the hospital on December 14 with a diagnosed footling breech presentation and no clear plan for if she went into labor.
One of her major concerns was the delayed intervention after she returned to the hospital in active labor.
Her family was deeply worried at the time about the potential harm and unnecessary risk to which the mother and babies were exposed.
They feared it may take years of anxiety and observation to fully determine what harm had been caused during the birth.
In another complaint shared with MMI, the clinic is also accused of employing and retaining an obstetrician-gynecologist named Dr. Frederick Okie, whose medical license had reportedly been suspended in the US for malpractice.
Dr. Okie is said to have been in charge during the delivery of the victim mentioned above.
Certified disciplinary records reviewed by MMI News show that Dr. Frederick Okie’s medical licence was revoked in Kansas and subsequently suspended in Virginia following findings of professional misconduct and failure to meet the standard of care in the treatment of a pregnant patient.
The medical malpractice he is alleged to have carried out at the Muna Foundation is not his first. In Missouri, his license was completely revoked in 2013 on grounds that, while treating a patient, he delayed involving other specialists, failed to acknowledge the patient’s proteinuria and high blood pressure, placed the patient at increased risk for placental abruption, seizures, renal damage, and stroke, and delayed the patient’s transfer to an appropriate facility.
Questions remain as to why the Muna Clinic employed or allowed a doctor with a suspended medical license to practice.
MMI wrote to the Director of the Muna Clinic, Dr. Margaret Adams Njinyam, for clarification. After more than two weeks, the hospital has not responded. MMI followed up with a phone call and the clinic refused to comment.
The victim also told MMI News that she never received an apology or even an explanation for the negligence that occurred.
Her family wrote to the Association of Doctors of Cameroon, which referred them to the Cameroon Medical Council. However, the council has not responded to the complaints.
As these complaints continue to fall on deaf ears, the malpractice is likely continuing, resulting in continued risk for pregnant women at the Muna Clinic.