N’Djamena — The High Court of N’Djamena has delivered its ruling in a high-stakes medical malpractice case involving a surgeon charged with involuntary manslaughter following the death of a 60-year-old patient during an operation.

The defendant acknowledged the factual circumstances of the incident but vehemently denied any professional misconduct. His legal team built a robust defense centered on the principle of therapeutic risk, emphasizing that all surgical procedures carry inherent uncertainties—even in advanced healthcare systems. The attorney underscored that the patient’s family had provided informed consent prior to the procedure, as evidenced by a signed liability waiver. Additionally, the defense argued for leniency, citing the surgeon’s decades of flawless service and unwavering commitment to patient care, while firmly rejecting any allegation of criminal intent.

The prosecution, in its closing arguments, also pushed for the surgeon’s acquittal. The state prosecutor maintained that no evidence in the case file substantiated claims of deliberate medical negligence or reckless conduct directly leading to the patient’s demise. A critical concern raised was the potential for excessive judicialization of medical acts, which could erode trust between healthcare providers and patients.

After careful deliberation, the court sided with the prosecution’s position. The surgeon was fully exonerated of involuntary manslaughter charges, facing no criminal penalties. However, the tribunal imposed a civil fine of 50,000 West African CFA francs—a decision whose precise legal basis, whether procedural or minor civil liability, remained unaddressed in the public ruling.