Woman sues health ministry for 'cutting her intestines'
Wants N$2 million over negligence
Vemuinapi Tjapaka also claims that she missed her final examinations and has been unable to continue her studies due to her condition.
A 34-year-old woman has filed a N$2 million medical negligence lawsuit against the Ministry of Health and Social Services after a surgical procedure at Katutura State Hospital allegedly left her with severe complications. Vemuinapi Tjapaka claims that her intestines were severed during surgery, leading to a stomach infection that resulted in a three-month hospitalization.
According to court documents filed at the Windhoek High Court, Tjapaka was admitted to the hospital on 24 April 2024 for an ovarian cyst removal procedure performed by Dr. R.R. De La Paz, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist. However, the day after her surgery, Tjapaka began experiencing sharp stomach pains.
“I was admitted for surgery on April 24, 2024, which was performed as scheduled by Dr. R.R. De La Paz,” Tjapaka stated in her claim. Despite her pleas for help, nurses allegedly dismissed her concerns, accusing her of “simply seeking attention.”
After enduring hours of intense pain, a male doctor finally attended to her and revealed that she had developed a stomach infection due to contamination from digestive waste. According to Tjapaka, this was caused by an alleged incision to her intestines made by Dr. De La Paz during the surgery. As a result, she had to undergo an additional surgical procedure to clean the infection.
Traumatic experience
During her testimony before High Court Judge Orben Sibeya, Tjapaka described the traumatic impact of the incident on her life. She underwent a total of four surgeries to treat the infection and now suffers from chronic back pain that prevents her from sitting, standing, or lying on her back for extended periods.
Tjapaka also revealed that she missed her final examinations and has been unable to continue her studies due to her condition. Furthermore, the complications forced her to close her business, causing an estimated loss of income of N$42,000. Now, she depends entirely on the support of her friends and family.
“I am unable to sit, stand, or lie on my back for long periods due to the sharp back pains,” Tjapaka explained. She also described how the experience left her traumatized and significantly altered her quality of life.
The case was in court last Thursday for interlocutory procedures, and the trial is expected to continue as Tjapaka seeks compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and the pain and suffering she endured.
According to court documents filed at the Windhoek High Court, Tjapaka was admitted to the hospital on 24 April 2024 for an ovarian cyst removal procedure performed by Dr. R.R. De La Paz, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist. However, the day after her surgery, Tjapaka began experiencing sharp stomach pains.
“I was admitted for surgery on April 24, 2024, which was performed as scheduled by Dr. R.R. De La Paz,” Tjapaka stated in her claim. Despite her pleas for help, nurses allegedly dismissed her concerns, accusing her of “simply seeking attention.”
After enduring hours of intense pain, a male doctor finally attended to her and revealed that she had developed a stomach infection due to contamination from digestive waste. According to Tjapaka, this was caused by an alleged incision to her intestines made by Dr. De La Paz during the surgery. As a result, she had to undergo an additional surgical procedure to clean the infection.
Traumatic experience
During her testimony before High Court Judge Orben Sibeya, Tjapaka described the traumatic impact of the incident on her life. She underwent a total of four surgeries to treat the infection and now suffers from chronic back pain that prevents her from sitting, standing, or lying on her back for extended periods.
Tjapaka also revealed that she missed her final examinations and has been unable to continue her studies due to her condition. Furthermore, the complications forced her to close her business, causing an estimated loss of income of N$42,000. Now, she depends entirely on the support of her friends and family.
“I am unable to sit, stand, or lie on my back for long periods due to the sharp back pains,” Tjapaka explained. She also described how the experience left her traumatized and significantly altered her quality of life.
The case was in court last Thursday for interlocutory procedures, and the trial is expected to continue as Tjapaka seeks compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and the pain and suffering she endured.
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