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The Ekiti State Government has sacked a surgeon, who was accused of removing the kidney of a patient without their prior consent at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH)..
The dismissal was confirmed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, after the submission of a detailed report by a seven-member panel of enquiry set up by the state government to investigate the incident.
The panel was chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, a respected medical professional and former president of the Nigerian Medical Association.
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The case came to public attention after Joshua Afolayan, a kidney transplant recipient, alleged that his kidney was removed during a surgical procedure at EKSUTH without his informed consent. According to the government, the panel was constituted 11 days prior to the announcement to thoroughly investigate Afolayan’s claims and establish the facts surrounding the controversial surgery.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the state government said it had carefully reviewed the panel’s findings and recommendations before approving decisive disciplinary actions.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
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The government explained that the temporary suspension of other members of the surgical team was necessary to allow for further assessment of their individual roles and responsibilities during the procedure, as well as to reinforce the seriousness with which the state views breaches of professional conduct.
Beyond disciplinary measures, the Ekiti State Government also announced significant support for the affected patient. According to the statement, the government will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan. In addition, it will take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
“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,” the statement said.
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As part of broader corrective steps, the government disclosed plans for a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH. The aim, it said, is to strengthen clinical governance, improve accountability, and enhance patient safety across the teaching hospital.
The state government was careful to note that while the incident is deeply troubling, it does not reflect the conduct of the majority of health workers at EKSUTH. It reaffirmed its confidence in the many dedicated and hardworking medical professionals at the hospital, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to service delivery under often challenging conditions.
However, the government stressed that it would not hesitate to take firm and decisive action whenever professional standards are breached. “While we stand firmly behind our health professionals, we will act without hesitation where ethical and professional boundaries are crossed,” the statement emphasised.
Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding patients and upholding ethical standards in healthcare delivery, the Ekiti State Government said it remains focused on restoring and sustaining public confidence in the state’s health system. It assured residents that necessary reforms would be pursued to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
“Necessary reforms will be pursued to ensure that incidents of this nature do not recur and that EKSUTH continues to serve as a centre of excellence in patient care,” the government said.
The statement concluded with an appeal for patience and trust from the people of Ekiti State, while reaffirming the administration’s commitment to continuous improvement in healthcare quality, compassion, and responsible governance.
The incident has drawn significant public attention, with many observers describing the government’s response as a strong signal that unethical medical practices will not be tolerated. As investigations and reforms continue, stakeholders across the health sector are watching closely to see how the lessons from this case will translate into lasting changes in clinical practice and patient protection.
