Namibia: Woman Sues Health Ministry Over Breast Surgery
[Namibian] A woman is suing the Ministry of Health and Social Services for N$3 million over an alleged botched breast reduction surgery at Walvis Bay State Hospital, with the matter now set to proceed to trial after mediation between the parties failed last week Thursday.
In a legal dispute in Namibia, Samantha Claasen is seeking N$3 million from the Ministry of Health and Social Services. The lawsuit centers around an alleged unsuccessful breast reduction surgery she underwent at Walvis Bay State Hospital on 3 October 2024. Claasen claims the procedure worsened her condition, causing severe pain, deformities, seizures, and emotional distress.
She alleges that the hospital staff inadequately assessed her before the surgery, performed the operation negligently, and failed to prevent complications. The ministry denies any negligence, stating the surgery was part of a voluntary plastic surgery campaign with informed consent. They also argue that any complications may have been due to systemic factors or her physical constitution, and that she disclosed a history of smoking, which could have impacted wound healing. The case will proceed to trial after mediation failed.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
