No negligence at Efoulan hospital – Director reacts to baby’s tragic death

Yaoundé, Cameroon – The Director of Efoulan District Hospital, Dr. Paul Eloundou O., has issued a formal statement addressing allegations of negligence following the recent death of a mother during childbirth at the hospital. The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, has sparked public concern and renewed criticism of the country’s health sector, particularly its services for pregnant women.

In the statement released on Friday, May 24, 2024, Dr. Eloundou O. detailed the events leading up to the incident involving a 30-year-old expectant mother. According to the statement, the lady arrived at the hospital on May 24, 2024, experiencing uterine contraction pain at 39 weeks of pregnancy. She was admitted at 4:30 AM with a ruptured membrane.

“During the active phase of labour, the partogram was opened, and labour was monitored without any particular issues,” Dr. Eloundou O. explained. “However, around 7 AM, the patient experienced generalised tonic-clonic seizures and received immediate and appropriate treatment. An emergency intervention was decided upon by the on-duty gynecologist and anaesthetist,” he added.

Unfortunately, during preparations for the surgical procedure, the mother suffered cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite the medical team’s resuscitation efforts, she was pronounced dead. Dr. Eloundou O. noted that there was no negligence during the entire care process.

“At no time was any negligence detected in the care process,” he stated, countering the allegations circulating on social media.

He also addressed the aftermath of the incident, where some family members reportedly demanded a post-mortem caesarean section and “forcibly entered” the maternity ward in Efoulan. Law enforcement intervened to restore order, the Director noted.

“While we mourn this death, which remains a tragic event, and extend our condolences to the deeply affected family, we strongly and vigorously condemn this manipulation of facts by certain individuals seeking sensation,” Dr. Eloundou O. said. “We will continue to provide close and quality care in our healthcare facility.”

This incident comes at a time when Cameroon’s health sector is under scrutiny for its perceived poor services, especially concerning the care of pregnant women. Critics have often highlighted systemic issues, including inadequate facilities, shortage of medical personnel, and reports of negligence.

A resident of Yaoundé expressed the community’s concern, “We keep hearing about these tragic incidents. It’s distressing. The authorities need to ensure our hospitals are safe for everyone, especially expectant mothers.”

A few weeks ago, a pregnant woman expecting triplets at the Bamenda regional hospital lost her three children out of what she described at “excessive neglect and lack of professionalism” for the doctors and nurses. The ministry of public health has not reacted.

Mimi Mefo Info