A Nigerian family has won a major legal battle after a medical tragedy took the life of their daughter. Toyin and Oyebanji Ashamu were awarded £858,000 in compensation by a UK court. This victory comes years after their daughter, Khelisyah Ashamu, died following a weight-loss procedure in Turkey.
Khelisyah was only 26 years old when she passed away. She was a mother of one and a bright young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Like many others seeking affordable healthcare, she looked into medical tourism options. She eventually chose a package offered by a British-run agency.
The Journey to Turkey
In February 2019, Khelisyah traveled to Izmir, Turkey, for a gastric bypass operation. She had struggled with her weight for some time. She was particularly concerned about her appearance following a previous surgery. The cost of the procedure and accommodation was roughly £3,300.
She booked the trip through an agency called Get Slim in Turkey. This business was operated by a British expatriate named Tracey Ozdemir. The package seemed like a safe and professional option for someone looking to improve their health. However, the outcome was far from what anyone expected.
A Tragic Turn of Events
The surgery initially appeared to go as planned. However, Khelisyah’s condition took a sharp turn for the worse just eight days later. She suffered a cardiac arrest during exploratory follow-up surgery. On February 9, 2019, she died in a Turkish hospital.
The news was devastating for her parents. When Oyebanji Ashamu arrived at the hospital to check on his daughter, he was met with a nightmare. Staff told him that Khelisyah was already in the morgue. This lack of communication and care added to the family’s immense grief.
The Legal Battle for Justice
Toyin and Oyebanji Ashamu refused to let the matter rest. They launched a High Court claim against Tracey Ozdemir. They argued that the agency was responsible for the safety of the patients it sent abroad. The parents accused the business of negligence regarding the medical care provided.
During the trial, the judge, Mrs Justice Obi, looked closely at the business model. She ruled that the agency did more than just book flights and hotels. The package included the surgery itself as an essential feature. This meant the agency held a level of responsibility for the medical outcome.
Tracey Ozdemir denied liability throughout the case. However, she did not challenge the specific amount of damages being claimed. Consequently, the judge awarded the Ashamu family the full sum of £858,000.
Why This Case Matters
This ruling is a significant moment for the health and wellness sector. It highlights the serious risks associated with budget surgeries abroad. Many people are drawn to Turkey and other countries for cheaper medical procedures. While many surgeries are successful, the lack of regulation can lead to tragedy.
Legal experts believe this case sets a strong precedent. It shows that travel agencies offering "medical tourism" packages can be held liable in the UK. This provides a layer of protection for residents who seek treatment outside the country.
For more stories on Nigerians making an impact or facing challenges abroad, visit our diaspora news section. It is important to stay informed about the legal rights of citizens in international waters.
The Ashamu family has spent years fighting for this result. While the money cannot bring their daughter back, it serves as a form of accountability. It also sends a clear warning to other medical tourism operators. Safety must always come before profit.
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