An investigation has been launched into the death of a young mother who recently succumbed during an abortion at a private clinic in Port Mourant.
Dead is mother of four Kamila Arjune, known as ‘Shellica,’ 22, of Paramaribo, Suriname.
Arjune, who is of Guyanese parentage, died at Dr. Rahaman’s private clinic, which is located obliquely opposite the Port Mourant Hospital.
The woman went to the clinic on the morning of April 3rd to have the abortion performed but she did not regain consciousness after the procedure was undertaken.
Stabroek News understands the doctor has over two decades of experience as a general practitioner but it was unclear if he was certified to perform abortions.
At the Whim Village home of Arjune’s family, relatives are still trying to cope with her sudden death. What is further complicating the situation is the family having to wait for the results of the testing of samples from Arjune’s body after an autopsy was unable to conclusively determine the cause of death. The results of the tests, which will be conducted at a laboratory in Georgetown, are expected to be available within two to three weeks.
Having to wait on the results is taking a toll on the family, which was preparing to transport the woman’s body to Suriname last weekend. Family members said without a death certificate they cannot transfer the body and they are hoping that authorities will intervene to speed up the testing.
Meanwhile, Kowsilla Arjune said when her daughter left Suriname she did not tell anyone that she would be having an abortion. However, she was accompanied by an aunt, Valita Permaul, when she went to the clinic.
The mother learned that after an hour waiting outside of the clinic, Permaul was approached by the doctor, who inquired about her relationship to Arjune. After she explained that she was the woman’s aunt, he then reportedly told her that Arjune had died.
The mother stated that the doctor made all the necessary arrangements for the body to be transported to a funeral home without informing the family.
However, he later handed them a document stating that Arjune died at the Port Mourant Hospital. The document was handed over to the police.
The family also criticised the doctor for not seeking a second opinion to confirm Arjune’s death although a national health facility was a stone’s throw away.
When this publication asked the mother if the family had spoken to doctor after the woman’s death, she explained that he was not around as police made attempts to contact him but they were futile.
Arjune’s family members also stated that they have been plunged into debt as they have to borrow money to embalm her body, which costs US$6,500, and to transport it to Paramaribo, which costs an additional US$3,000.
