NMA dismisses organ harvesting claims at EKSUTH, faults sanctions on medical staff

The Ekiti State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has firmly rejected allegations of organ harvesting at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), describing the claims as unfounded, misleading and capable of eroding public confidence in the health system.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the association said it was disturbed by what it termed the spread of inaccurate information and sensational reports linked to a recent surgical procedure carried out at the teaching hospital.

The statement was signed by the NMA chairman in the state, Dr. Ifedayo Oreyemi.

According to the association, investigations and professional reviews of the case clearly established that no illegal or unethical removal of organs took place at EKSUTH.

The NMA stressed that at no time was any organ secretly or unlawfully taken from the patient, insisting that all actions taken during the procedure were solely for legitimate medical purposes and in line with standard clinical practice.

Providing clarification on the kidney at the centre of the controversy, the association explained that the organ removed during surgery was properly documented and immediately handed over to the patient’s wife inside the operating theatre.

It added that she personally conveyed the specimen to the pathology laboratory, a process the NMA said followed established hospital protocols.

The association also explained that the surgery in question was highly complex, involving a rare congenital abnormality of the kidney.

It noted that such cases often required urgent and critical decisions during the operation, which were guided by medical expertise, ethical considerations and the patient’s best interest.

Beyond disputing the allegations, the NMA criticised the administrative actions taken by the hospital authorities and the state government following the incident.

The association opposed the dismissal of the consultant surgeon who led the procedure, describing the decision as hasty and unjustified.

It argued that key professional bodies and stakeholders were not adequately consulted before the dismissal was announced.

The NMA also raised concerns over the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff who were on duty at the time of the surgery.

According to the association, those affected were neither invited to appear before an investigative panel nor given the opportunity to defend themselves, a situation it said violated the principles of fair hearing and due process.

The statement warned that the disciplinary measures had already begun to negatively affect staff morale and hospital operations.

It revealed that some locum consultants had withdrawn their services from EKSUTH, while there were growing fears of further loss of personnel, including the possibility of mass resignations by resident doctors if the situation persisted.

While expressing sympathy for the patient and their family, the association commended the Ekiti State Government for stepping in to finance the patient’s renal transplant.

The NMA described the gesture as a positive demonstration of the government’s concern for patient welfare.

The association called for an immediate reversal of the dismissal of the consultant surgeon and the suspension of resident doctors and theatre staff.

It also urged authorities to exercise caution, uphold due process and engage relevant professional bodies when handling sensitive medical and ethical issues, warning that rash decisions could have long-term consequences for healthcare delivery in the state.