The N’Djamena Court of First Instance delivered its ruling today in a medical malpractice case involving a surgeon charged with “involuntary homicide” after a 60-year-old patient died during surgery.

During the trial, the defendant acknowledged the factual circumstances but denied any professional misconduct. The defense argued that the incident fell under therapeutic risk, emphasizing that all surgical procedures carry inherent dangers, even in high-standard healthcare systems. The lawyer highlighted that the patient’s family had provided prior informed consent, evidenced by a signed liability waiver. While pleading for leniency based on the practitioner’s exemplary career and past dedication, the defense maintained that no criminal intent was involved.

The prosecution, in its closing arguments, also sought the defendant’s acquittal. The prosecutor argued that no evidence in the case file demonstrated intentional medical error or clear negligence directly leading to the patient’s death. They cautioned against the excessive judicialization of medical acts, warning it could foster harmful distrust between doctors and patients.

Ruling from the bench, the court sided with the prosecution. The surgeon was cleared of involuntary homicide charges and received a full acquittal on the primary accusation. However, the court imposed a civil fine of 50,000 CFA francs, though the specific rationale behind the monetary penalty—likely linked to procedural costs or minor civil liability—was not detailed during the hearing.