A landmark US$25 million lawsuit has been filed before the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court, against the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital (JFK) and anesthesiologist, Dr. Gonkernue Nuahn over the alleged wrongful death of 26-year-old Lovette Tamba and her unborn child. The case, filed on behalf of her four-year-old son, Destiny Obey Kerkula, accuses the hospital and its staff of gross medical negligence and malpractice that reportedly led to the tragic deaths earlier this year.
Court’s documents reveal that in January 2025, Tamba, then 26 weeks pregnant, sought medical attention at JFK after experiencing mild abdominal pain. According to the complaint, she was administered multiple medications that allegedly worsened her condition, resulting in premature rupture of membranes, heavy bleeding, and eventual death. The lawsuit contends that the medications were inappropriate for her condition and that both the hospital and its anesthesiologist failed to exercise reasonable medical judgment.
The plaintiffs claim the alleged “mishap” deprived young Destiny of his mother’s care, love, and financial support, causing irreparable harm. Representatives for Destiny argue that the boy’s rights have been violated due to what they describe as avoidable errors in treatment. The suit seeks US$25 million in damages, covering loss of parental care, emotional distress, and punitive measures against the hospital to deter future negligence. “The untimely death of a young mother and her unborn child due to alleged malpractice must not go unaddressed,” the lawsuit states, adding that Liberia’s healthcare system must prioritize accountability and patient safety. The Civil Law Court is expected to commence hearings in the coming weeks.
While JFK officials and Dr. Nuahn have yet to issue formal responses, legal observers note that the case could set a significant precedent for medical malpractice litigation in Liberia. The tragic case has also reignited public debate over the state of maternal healthcare in the country. Patient advocacy groups have called for stricter oversight of medical practitioners and improvements in hospital protocols to prevent similar incidents. As the lawsuit proceeds, all eyes remain on the judiciary to determine accountability in what has already been described as a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges within Liberia’s healthcare system.
