Ekiti Govt Dismisses Doctor, Suspends Surgical Team Over Kidney Surgery Incident
By Lukman Babatope
The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a medical doctor at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado Ekiti, and suspended members of a surgical team for one month following an investigation into a controversial surgery involving a patient, Joshua Afolayan.
Afolayan had alleged that he visited the hospital after sustaining injuries from an accident and later discovered that his kidneys were removed during surgery without his consent. He claimed that medical tests conducted before the operation indicated that one kidney was functional.
Following the allegation, the state government constituted a seven-member panel of enquiry, chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the surgery.
Panel Findings
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Friday, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, said the panel concluded that the incident was a surgical complication and not organ harvesting, as initially alleged in public discourse.
“Following a thorough review of actions before, during, and after the operation, it was confirmed without any doubt that this was a case of surgical complication and not organ harvesting as alleged,” Filani said.
He disclosed that the panel recommended the dismissal of the surgeon with primary responsibility for the operation, while all other members of the surgical team present during the procedure were suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
The state government has since approved and implemented the recommendations.
Government Response and Support for Patient
Filani said the Ekiti State Government would implement reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence of such incidents and strengthening professional standards at the teaching hospital.
He also announced that the government would bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Afolayan and provide support for his post-transplant care and medical maintenance for two years.
Reforms at EKSUTH
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to patient safety and ethical medical practice, the commissioner said a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH would be carried out.
“In line with the panel’s recommendations, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety,” Filani said.
He added that while the government appreciates the dedication of health professionals at the hospital, it would not hesitate to take firm action where professional standards are breached.
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