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In a poignant case that highlights the risks associated with medical tourism, Toyin and Oyebanji Ashamu have been awarded £858,000 in compensation after their daughter, Khelisyah Ashamu, tragically lost her life post-surgery in Turkey. The 26-year-old mother of one underwent a gastric bypass procedure in February 2019, seeking to address her weight concerns and improve her self-esteem. However, inadequate post-operative care led to devastating consequences, culminating in her untimely death.
A Journey for Change
Khelisyah, an IT professional from Romford, made the difficult decision to travel to Izmir for the surgery, paying £3,300 to the British-run agency Get Slim in Turkey. Like many, she sought a solution to her struggles with weight, particularly after the physical changes brought on by a Caesarean section. The Roux-en-Y bypass she chose involves altering the digestive system to restrict food intake, promising a path to a healthier lifestyle.
However, her post-operative experience was fraught with complications. Eight days after the surgery, Khelisyah’s condition deteriorated severely. Despite undergoing exploratory surgery, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was subsequently declared brain dead. On 9 February 2019, her parents received the heartbreaking news that their daughter had passed away in a Turkish hospital, with the coroner attributing her death to gastrointestinal ischaemia, a severe lack of blood flow to the intestines.
Legal Proceedings and the Court’s Decision
In their quest for justice, the Ashamu family filed a claim against Tracey Ozdemir, the operator of Get Slim in Turkey, asserting that the agency’s inadequate post-operative care directly contributed to Khelisyah’s death. Although Ms Ozdemir denied responsibility, the court ruled in favour of the Ashamu family. In a comprehensive judgement, Mrs Justice Obi found that there had been a significant failure in monitoring Khelisyah’s condition after her surgery, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
The judge emphasised that as the organiser of the medical package, Get Slim was liable for both the surgical procedure and the necessary aftercare. In her remarks, Mrs Justice Obi expressed her condolences to the Ashamu family, acknowledging the immense pain they endured throughout the legal proceedings and hoping that the court’s decision would provide some comfort amid their overwhelming loss.
The Broader Implications of Medical Tourism
This case raises urgent questions about the safety and regulation of medical tourism, particularly in light of Khelisyah’s tragic experience. The surge in individuals seeking affordable surgical options abroad often overlooks the critical importance of thorough post-operative care—a factor that can be life-saving.
Experts have warned that individuals pursuing such treatments should be fully aware of the risks involved, as medical tourism can lead to severe complications. The case against Get Slim in Turkey serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with seeking low-cost medical procedures overseas.
Why it Matters
The Ashamu family’s battle for justice sheds light on the often-overlooked human aspect of medical tourism. Each statistic represents a life interrupted, dreams dashed, and families devastated. As more individuals consider overseas options for surgeries, it is crucial that both potential patients and regulatory bodies take heed of these stories, advocating for stricter regulations and ensuring that safety and care remain paramount in all medical procedures, regardless of location. Khelisyah’s story is not just a personal tragedy; it is a call to action for better oversight and support within the medical tourism industry.
