Ekiti Sacks Surgeon, Suspends Staff Over Alleged Organ Harvesting

The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a surgeon at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) following the findings of a panel that investigated allegations of unlawful organ removal during a surgical procedure.

The decision was announced after the submission of the report of a seven-member investigative panel, chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, to the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani.

The panel was constituted 11 days ago to probe a complaint by a patient, Mr Joshua Afolayan, who alleged that his kidneys were removed without consent during a surgery carried out at EKSUTH.

In a statement, Dr Filani said the government had carefully reviewed the panel’s report and approved decisive actions in line with its recommendations.

According to him, the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the operation has been dismissed from the service of EKSUTH with immediate effect. He added that all members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation have been suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.

The commissioner further disclosed that the Ekiti State Government would bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Afolayan, including post-transplant care and all transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.

He also announced that a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH would be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety.

Filani said while the government appreciates the dedication and sacrifices of many hardworking health professionals at EKSUTH, it would not hesitate to take firm action where professional and ethical standards are breached.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring public confidence in the state’s health system.

According to him, necessary reforms will be implemented to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to ensure that EKSUTH continues to function as a centre of excellence in patient care.

The commissioner thanked the people of Ekiti State for their patience and trust, assuring them of the government’s commitment to improved quality healthcare, compassion and responsible governance.