The Ekiti State Government through the office of the Commissioner for Health and Human Services has ordered the immediate dismissal of a surgeon and the suspension of other members of a surgical team at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital following allegations of unlawful kidney removal.
The directive followed the submission of a report by a seven-member panel of enquiry set up to investigate claims by Joshua Afolayan regarding a surgical procedure carried out on him at the teaching hospital.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, disclosed that the state government had undertaken a thorough review of the report and its recommendation.
According to the statement, “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.”
While reaffirming that the Ekiti State Government stands firmly behind the many dedicated and hardworking health professionals at EKSUTH and recognizes their sacrifices and commitment to service, Filani said the government will not hesitate to take decisive action whenever professional standards are breached.
He stressed that the government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring as well as sustaining public confidence in the Ekiti State health system.
The commissioner further emphasized that necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure such incidents do not recur, and that EKSUTH continues to operate 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.
