Widow of plastic trachea transplant recipient in Iceland expresses disappointment over compensation rejection

Mehrawit Baryamikael Tesfaslase, the widow of Andemariam Beyene, the first recipient of a plastic trachea transplant, is expressing deep disappointment over the decision of the Icelandic state attorney to reject her compensation claim. Her legal representative plans to file a lawsuit against the Icelandic government in September.

Mehrawit states that her life has revolved around trying to cope with the severe consequences of inadequate medical treatment that her husband received at Landspítali in 2011. He was subsequently sent to Karolinska Hospital in Sweden for surgery related to cancer, during which a plastic trachea was grafted. Unfortunately, the procedure did not yield positive results, as the surgical technique had not been scientifically validated and had not been tested on animals prior to the procedure.

Residing in a small town in Dalarna, Sweden, Mehrawit is currently unable to do radio interviews and has communicated her thoughts in writing.

In the September lawsuit, her lawyer Sigurður G. Guðjónsson intends to seek official recognition of the government’s liability regarding the compensation claim, stating that a specific compensation amount has yet to be determined. He emphasizes that the initial step is to establish the claim itself.

The case has gained attention, including a discussion with Swedish journalist Bosse Lindqvist, who previously reported on the issue. He criticized the state attorney’s approach, suggesting an attempt to absolve the state of responsibility while placing blame elsewhere. He emphasized that shared responsibility exists in the matter, implicating various parties, including the involved medical personnel and institutions.

The state attorney declined an interview but maintained that the letter sent to Mehrawit’s lawyer represents their position.