The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a surgeon at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for allegedly engaging in organ harvesting.
The dismissal followed the findings of a seven-member investigation panel set up in response to the allegation.
The surgeon, who had primary responsibility for the surgery during which a patient’s kidneys were allegedly removed, was dismissed with immediate effect.
According to the state government, the decision followed the submission of the Professor Francis Faduyile-led panel’s report, which was submitted to the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani.
The panel was constituted 11 days ago to investigate claims by a patient, Mr Joshua Afolayan, concerning a surgical procedure carried out on him at EKSUTH.
In a statement, Filani said the Ekiti State government took the action after carefully reviewing the report and its recommendations.
The state government therefore decided, “That the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed from the service of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) with immediate effect.
“All members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation are to be suspended from duty for a period of one month, pending further administrative review.”
The Ekiti State government also undertakes to bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Afolayan, take responsibility for his post-transplant care, as well as transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
“In line with the recommendations of the panel, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability, and patient safety,” Filani said.
He assured that the government would continue to support dedicated health professionals at EKSUTH, but would not hesitate to act decisively where professional standards are breached.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring and sustaining public confidence in the Ekiti State health system,” he said.
The commissioner added that necessary reforms would be implemented to prevent a recurrence, stressing that EKSUTH must continue to function as a centre of excellence in patient care.
“We thank the people of Ekiti State for their patience, and trust, and we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continued improvement in quality health care, compassion, and responsible governance,” Filani stated.
