A woman is suing the Ministry of Health and Social Services for N$3 million over an alleged botched breast reduction surgery at Walvis Bay State Hospital, with the matter now set to proceed to trial after mediation between the parties failed last week Thursday. In papers before the Windhoek High Court, Samantha Claasen alleges she sought treatment at the state hospital on 29 September 2024 for oversized breasts and persistent neck, back and shoulder pain. She claims doctors recommended a breast reduction procedure to relieve her symptoms and improve her quality of life. She claims hospital staff failed to properly assess her before surgery, negligently performed the operation and failed to prevent complications. In its plea, the ministry says the operation was not performed after the plaintiff sought treatment but formed part of a voluntary plastic surgery campaign.