A Guilty Verdict Reopens Old Wounds for the Family of Phenny Ethingo
The family of Phenny Ethingo, who passed away at Walvis Bay State Hospital in September 2017, is grappling with the aftermath of a recent guilty verdict against the doctor involved in her case. The verdict, which has brought some closure, also opens up painful memories for the family, who have been fighting for justice for years.
Ethingo's elder sister, Fiina Haikali, shared her family's mixed emotions. The medical and dental council's professional conduct committee found Dr. Amir Shaker guilty on two charges, imposing a penalty of N$30,000 per charge. However, the sanction will only take effect after ratification by the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCN) in the first quarter of 2026.
Haikali expressed relief at the verdict but also emphasized the ongoing struggle to understand her sister's death. She recounted the harrowing events of September 2017 when Ethingo, eight months pregnant, was admitted with abdominal pain. Later that day, she learned her unborn child had died.
The following day, Ethingo's condition worsened, and she experienced blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness. Her breathing became labored, and she slipped into a coma, eventually passing away. The death certificate cited hyperosmolar diabetic complications, septicaemia, and kidney failure.
Haikali raised concerns about the hospital's care, questioning the lack of a clear plan to manage Ethingo's pregnancy after the baby's death and the delayed response to her deteriorating condition. She believes her sister's death was preventable and that better medical action could have saved her.
The family's wait for justice has been challenging, with Haikali noting that the pain remains fresh even after eight years. She emphasized their desire for closure and for Ethingo's death not to be in vain.
Haikali and her family attended hearings and followed up on the case over the years. The guilty verdict, she said, brought a sense of relief, indicating that the justice system had not failed them. She expressed hope for the next steps, which she believes should reflect the gravity of the situation.
Ethingo's children, aged four and 13 at the time of her death, have also been affected. Haikali highlighted the loss they endured, growing up without their mother. The family now seeks justice and closure, hoping that the legal process will honor their loved one's memory.
