The Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti State Branch has refuted allegations of Organ Harvesting made against a medical doctor following a botched kidney related medical procedure at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti.
The union in a statement issued Wednesday said the removed organ , contrary to news making the rounds , was handed over to the wife of the patient who with staff transferred it to the pathology department. The NMA also rejected the dismissal of the doctor who carried out the operation by the State Government.
The Ekiti State Government had approved the dismissal of the surgeon who carried out the surgical procedure leading to the removal of the kidney of one Mr Joshua Afolayan at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH. Mr Afolayan had claimed that he was unaware that the surgical procedure would lead to the removal of his functioning kidney.
The Government according to ,Dr Oyebanji Filani, Commissioner for Health & Human Services would bear the cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr Afolayan. The Surgeon has not been named.
Mr Afolayan had gone to EKSU for surgery following an accident he had in July which affected one of his kidneys. And medical intervention was recommended for the removal of the damaged kidney.
However he discovered after the surgery that something was wrong. Before the surgery he could unrinate effortlessly. But after he could not.
He sought help and tests confirmed that his functioning kidney had been removed. Confirmatory tests confirmed that the surgeon who performed the operation removed the functioning kidney leading to serious health complications. He was also not told what was done with the functioning kidney leading to allegations of Organ Harvesting against the surgeon and his team.
The NMA STATEMENT:
PRESS STATEMENT OF THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), EKITI STATE BRANCH ON ALLEGATIONS OF ORGAN HARVESTING AT EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (EKSUTH)
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ekiti State Branch, has observed with deep concern the widespread misinformation, misrepresentation, and sensational narratives circulating in both traditional and social media regarding a recent clinical case at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), particularly the grave and unfounded allegations of organ harvesting.
The Association categorically and unequivocally states that no organ harvesting occurred at EKSUTH. At no point was any organ willfully, secretly or illicitly removed from the patient as insinuated in some quarters for any purpose other than legitimate medical care. The allegations being circulated are false, misleading, and grossly misrepresent the facts of the case, with the potential to severely erode public confidence in the healthcare system and unfairly malign the integrity of medical professionals.
For the avoidance of doubt, following the surgical procedure, the removed kidney specimen was formally handed over to the patient’s wife inside the operating theatre, in keeping with standard medical practice. She personally conveyed the specimen to the pathology laboratory for further evaluation. The specimen remains securely within the hospital system and has been handled strictly in accordance with established medical, ethical, and legal protocols. Any suggestion to the contrary is entirely without factual basis.
The surgery in question was a highly complex procedure involving a rare congenital anomaly of the kidney. Such rare clinical conditions are well documented in medical literature and often require critical, real-time intraoperative decision-making guided by professional expertise, experience, and the overriding obligation to act in the best interest of the patient. In these circumstances, surgeons are ethically and professionally empowered to make time-sensitive decisions aimed at preserving life and preventing further harm.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti State Branch condemns in strong terms and reject the dismissal of the consultant surgeon involved in this case. While the surgeon was invited to appear before an investigative panel, the Association notes with concern that critical professional stakeholders were neither adequately consulted nor carried along before the announcement of the dismissal. The sequence of actions taken gives the impression that the outcome was determined without the benefit of broad-based professional input and engagement, thereby undermining confidence in the process and its conclusions.
The Association further expresses grave concern over the suspension of Residents Doctors and other theatre staff on duty at the time of the procedure, who were not invited to appear before any investigative panel nor afforded the opportunity for fair hearing prior to their suspension. This approach is inconsistent with established principles of natural justice, due process, and fair administrative practice. The dismissal of the Surgeon and blanket suspension of these staff had negatively impacted morale and professional confidence, and has contributed to the withdrawal of locum consultants from EKSUTH, with a real risk of further attrition and impending mass resignations among resident doctors, particularly within the Department of Surgery. These developments pose a serious threat to service delivery and patient care in the institution.
The dedication and professionalism of healthcare workers involved in the patient’s care should not be impugned based on incomplete information or speculative narratives.
Regarding disciplinary measures, the Nigerian Medical Association considers the reported dismissal of the surgeon following a surgical complication—rather than a proven case of deliberate incompetence, negligence, or professional misconduct—to be excessive and disproportionate. Surgical complications are recognized risks inherent in even the most expertly conducted procedures, particularly in rare and complex cases. Professional accountability must be pursued through transparent, evidence-based, and peer-reviewed mechanisms, not through reactions driven by public pressure or misinformation.
The NMA further notes with concern the apparent disparity in institutional response. Previous incidents involving assault, harassment, or intimidation of doctors within EKSUTH and other state health facilities have often not elicited the same level of urgency or decisive action. This imbalance reinforces a troubling perception that healthcare workers are insufficiently protected, yet readily subjected to public vilification before due process is exhausted.
While acknowledging these concerns, the Association empathizes with the patient and commends the Ekiti State Government for its commitment to funding the patient’s renal transplant and providing comprehensive supportive care. This intervention reflects compassion and a commendable commitment to patient welfare.
The Association hereby request the reversal of both the dismissal of the Surgeon and suspension of Resident Doctors and all theatre staff on duty without delay.
However, the NMA strongly advises that future government communications on sensitive medical matters should be guided by expert consultation, due process, and restraint, to avoid prejudicing investigations, damaging professional reputations, or inflaming public sentiment based on incomplete or unverified information.
To prevent future recurrence of similar crises, the NMA recommends the following:
- Establishment of an independent, expert-led investigative panel with representation from relevant medical specialties and professional bodies.
- Strict adherence to due process before disciplinary actions are taken against healthcare workers.
- Development of a clear communication protocol for handling sensitive clinical cases, ensuring accuracy and professional input before public statements are issued.
- Strengthening institutional mechanisms for protecting healthcare workers from harassment, intimidation, and violence.
- Sustained engagement between government, hospital management, and professional bodies to rebuild trust and ensure stability within the health system.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ekiti State Branch, remains resolute and steadfast in its commitment to:
*Patient safety and ethical medical practice
*Protection of professional integrity and due process
*Continuous improvement of healthcare delivery
*Advocacy for the strengthening of health institutions
We call on the public and media practitioners to exercise restraint, verify information responsibly, and refrain from propagating narratives that unjustly damage the reputation of medical professionals and healthcare institutions.
Dr Ifedayo OREYEMI
Chairman
Dr Oluwatobi AKINLUYI
Secretary
