…demands reinstatement of sacked surgeon
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, has debunked allegations of organ harvesting at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), describing the reports as false, misleading, and capable of eroding public trust in the healthcare system.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi, the association expressed deep concern over the widespread misinformation surrounding a recent surgical case at the teaching hospital.
The medical body stated unequivocally that no organ harvesting occurred at the facility and that at no point was any organ willfully, secretly, or illicitly removed from the patient for purposes other than legitimate medical care.
Providing clarification on the controversy, the NMA explained that the surgery was a highly complex procedure involving a rare congenital anomaly of the kidney, which required critical, real-time intraoperative decision-making in line with global professional and ethical standards.
To further dispel rumors of foul play, the association revealed that following the surgical procedure, the removed kidney specimen was formally handed over to the patient’s wife inside the operating theatre, who personally took it to the pathology laboratory for analysis.
The association, however, expressed outrage over the disciplinary actions taken by the hospital management.
It condemned in strong terms and rejected the dismissal of the consultant surgeon involved in the case, noting that critical professional stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the decision was announced.
The NMA also faulted the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff, revealing that these health workers were neither invited to appear before any investigative panel nor afforded the opportunity for a fair hearing prior to their suspension.
The body warned that these hasty punitive measures have already dampened staff morale and negatively impacted service delivery. It noted that the situation has led to the withdrawal of locum consultants from EKSUTH and signaled a real risk of further attrition and impending mass resignations among resident doctors.
While empathizing with the patient involved, the NMA commended the Ekiti State Government for funding the patient’s renal transplant, describing it as a laudable commitment to patient welfare.
However, it demanded the immediate reversal of the dismissal of the surgeon and the suspension of the resident doctors and theatre staff, urging authorities to exercise restraint and adhere to due process in handling such sensitive medical matters.