MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), in collaboration with the Montserrado County Health Team, has referred Melvina Leakpei of Thinker Village to the Liberia National Police for criminal investigation after the tragic deaths of 27-year-old Patience Cowe and her unborn child. The case stems from allegations that Leakpei, who is not a licensed nurse, attempted to deliver the baby at her home, resulting in fatal complications.
According to a complaint filed by Montserrado County Health Officer, Dr. Jewel Tarpeh Kollie, Leakpei has been posing as a nurse and performing unauthorized medical procedures, including childbirth, without any professional certification. When questioned, Leakpei claimed that her nursing license was destroyed in water back in 2011 and failed to present any documentation to support her qualifications.
Leakpei’s nursing notes indicate that Cowe visited her home three times in March 2023. On March 20, Cowe complained of discomfort and back pain but was not in labor. During a second visit on March 22, she reportedly had a high fever and chills. Leakpei conducted a rapid malaria test, which confirmed the disease, and administered treatment.
The fatal visit occurred on March 24 when Cowe returned with severe abdominal and back pain. Leakpei claimed that an examination revealed full dilation, and she attempted to assist with delivery. However, complications arose due to the unusually large size of the baby, causing obstructed labor. Hours later, Cowe was rushed to the 14 Military Hospital in Margibi County, where both she and her unborn child were declared dead.
Following the incident, the LMDC and the County Health Team took swift action by turning the matter over to law enforcement authorities. The council commended Dr. Kollie and her team for their immediate intervention and underscored their commitment to eradicating unlicensed medical practices in Liberia.
The LMDC is urging the public, especially pregnant women, to seek healthcare only from certified professionals and registered facilities. Authorities have also called on citizens to report any individuals suspected of practicing medicine without proper credentials, warning that such negligence can lead to deadly outcomes.
With support from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, the Liberia National Red Cross Society, and other partners, the LMDC says it remains focused on strengthening healthcare regulation and eliminating “quackery” in the nation’s health system.
