Alleged Kidney Removal: Ekiti Reads Riot Act To Staff, May Dismiss Surgeon

Fresh facts have emerged that the Ekiti State government might dismiss the surgeon involved in the alleged removal of a kidney of one Joshua Afolayan at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.

This followed the review of a detailed report submitted by the seven-member Panel of Enquiry chaired by Prof Francis Faduyile set up to look into the matter.

The panel was constituted about two weeks ago to investigate the allegation by Afolayan regarding a surgical procedure he underwent at the tertiary hospital.

A statement by the state commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani in Ado Ekiti on Friday, said the dismissal of the surgeon was part of the recommendation made to and approved by the state government upon careful review of the reports.

The approved actions are 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 will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Joshua Afolayan and will also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and 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.”

The commissioner stated that the government will continue to stand firmly behind the many dedicated and hardworking health professionals at EKSUTH and acknowledge their sacrifices and commitment to service and said it will not hesitate to take decisive action where professional standards are breached.

He said that following a thorough review of actions pre, intra and post operations, it was confirmed that it was a case of a surgical complication and not organ harvesting for rituals as alleged.

Filani maintained that 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 disclosed that necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure that incidents of this nature do not recur and that EKSUTH continues to serve as a centre of excellence in patient care.