N’Djamena – The Chad High Court delivered its ruling today in a high-profile medical malpractice case involving a surgeon charged with involuntary manslaughter after a 60-year-old patient died during surgery.

The accused surgeon acknowledged the procedural facts but denied any breach of professional standards. His defense team emphasized the inherent risks tied to surgical interventions, even in advanced healthcare systems. Counsel underscored that the patient’s family had provided prior informed consent, documented through a signed liability waiver. While pleading for leniency based on the doctor’s long-standing dedication, the defense argued the absence of criminal intent.

Prosecutors, in their closing arguments, requested the surgeon’s acquittal, asserting no evidence in the case file supported claims of intentional misconduct or gross negligence directly leading to the patient’s death. They warned that excessive judicial scrutiny of medical acts could erode mutual trust between doctors and patients.

The court concurred with the prosecution’s position. The surgeon was fully acquitted of involuntary manslaughter charges. However, the tribunal imposed a civil fine of 50,000 francs CFA, though it did not elaborate on the rationale behind this monetary penalty, which may relate to procedural costs or minor civil liability.