The Nigerian Medical Association in Ekiti State has dismissed allegations of organ harvesting at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, describing the claims as false, misleading and capable of damaging public trust in the health system.
The association made this known on Tuesday in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dr Ifedayo Oreyemi, and Secretary, Dr Oluwatobi Akinluyi.
The NMA said it was deeply concerned about what it described as widespread misinformation surrounding a recent surgical case at the teaching hospital.
According to the doctors’ body, no form of organ harvesting took place at EKSUTH, stressing that no organ was secretly or illegally removed from the patient for any purpose outside approved medical care.
“The Nigerian Medical Association wishes to state clearly that no organ harvesting occurred at EKSUTH,” the statement said.
It explained that the kidney removed during the surgery was handled in line with standard medical practice.
“The removed kidney specimen was formally handed over to the patient’s wife inside the operating theatre and was subsequently conveyed by her to the pathology laboratory for further evaluation,” the association stated.
The NMA added that the specimen is still within the hospital system and has been treated according to medical, ethical and legal guidelines.
“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 statement read.
While clearing the hospital of the allegations, the association criticised the dismissal of the consultant surgeon involved in the procedure, describing the decision as harsh and disproportionate.
It also faulted the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff who were on duty during the surgery, saying those affected were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.
“The affected doctors and theatre staff were neither invited to appear before any investigative panel nor granted a fair hearing before the decision to suspend them was taken,” the NMA said.
The association called on the hospital management and relevant authorities to reverse the dismissal of the surgeon and lift the suspension placed on the resident doctors and other staff.
It urged that issues of professional conduct should be handled through transparent and evidence-based processes.
“Professional accountability must be pursued through transparent, evidence-based and peer-reviewed mechanisms, not through actions driven by public pressure or misinformation,” the statement added.
