News Update

THE Ekiti State government has sacked a surgeon at the State’s University Teaching Hospital, EKSUTH, over the alleged removal of patient’s kidney.

The development came following the outcome of the investigation carried out by the Panel of Enquiry.

Online Newspaper reports that the seven-member panel chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile was constituted about two weeks ago after a claim of organ harvesting by Joshua Afolayan, who underwent a surgical procedure at the state Teaching Hospital.

Reacting to details of the investigation submitted by the panel, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, in a statement on Friday, announced the dismissal of the surgeon.

Assuring the citizens of its commitment to prevent such incidents, the commissioner stated that the incident “was a case of a surgical complication and NOT Organ harvesting for rituals as alleged.”

While taking responsibility for the victim, Joshua Afolayan’s transplant expenses, Dr Oyebanji Filani said, “The surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed EKSUTH with immediate effect. All members of the surgical team present in the theater on the day of the operation are to be suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.

“The Ekiti State Government will bear full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr Joshua Afolayan and also take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant related medical maintenance for 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.”