Ekiti State Dismisses Lead Surgeon, Suspends Surgical Team Following Organ Harvesting Investigation
Ado-Ekiti – The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a senior surgeon and suspended multiple support staff at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) following an investigative panel’s findings into a serious medical malpractice case involving the unauthorized removal of a patient’s kidneys.
The actions were announced by the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, upon receipt and review of the report from a seven-member investigative panel chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile. The panel was convened 11 days prior to investigate allegations brought by patient Mr. Joshua Afolayan concerning a surgical procedure at EKSUTH.
In a formal statement detailing the government’s response, Dr. Filani outlined the following disciplinary and restorative measures, approved by the state government:
1. The immediate dismissal of the attending surgeon who held primary responsibility for the procedure in question.
2. The suspension of all other members of the surgical team present during the operation for one month, pending a further administrative review.
3. A commitment by the state to bear the full cost of a kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan, including all post-operative care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
Furthermore, the government has mandated a comprehensive reorganization of relevant departments within EKSUTH. This restructuring aims to strengthen clinical governance, enforce accountability, and enhance patient safety protocols, as recommended by the investigative panel.
While affirming the government’s support for the majority of dedicated healthcare professionals at EKSUTH, Dr. Filani stated the administration will not hesitate to take decisive action where professional and ethical standards are breached.
“The government remains resolute in its commitment to protecting patients, upholding the highest ethical standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring public confidence in our state health system,” Filani said. “Necessary reforms will be implemented to prevent any recurrence of such an incident and to ensure EKSUTH maintains its role as a centre of excellence for patient care.”
The statement concluded with an acknowledgment of the public’s patience and a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to improved healthcare quality, compassionate service, and responsible governance.