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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has vowed to take decisive action against anyone or medical institution found to be involved in any form of organ harvesting business particularly kidney.
Patricia Deworitshe, Director of Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, in a statement on Thursday, said that National Health Act, 2014, empowered the Federal Ministry of Health to take necessary actions against anyone found to have involved in such actions.
He made reference to recent media report that highlighted the dangerous activities of organ harvesters in Abuja, hence she noted that the Ministry has condemned such barbaric and inhuman “criminal” practice of kidney trafficking as contained in that report.
She said: “We acknowledge the pain of those affected and wished to let Nigerians know that the National Health Act (NHA) 2014 Sections 51-56, prohibits such illegality. Persons who contravene or fail to comply with the provisions of the section commit an offence and is liable on conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years or both.
“It is pertinent to note that both the seller and the buyers of such illegal trade as well as the medical practitioners and facilities where such criminal act was performed will face the full wrath of the law.”
She maintained that donation of kidney should be on informed consent of the donor, done based on medical advice with privileged information about the process in order to save lives, adding that Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has been asked to look into the allegations levelled against medical practitioners engaged in such activities.
She said that while the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to improving regulatory standards and practices to enhance effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the renewed hope agenda, Nigerians are advised not to engage in such illegal practices and should contact the Federal Ministry of Health for any information that can lead to the arrest of perpetrators.
