The Ekiti State Government 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 (EKSUTH) over an alleged unlawful kidney removal.
The decision followed the submission of a report by an independent seven-member Panel of Enquiry set up to investigate claims by Mr. Joshua Afolayan concerning a surgical procedure carried out on him at the teaching hospital.
The directive was contained in a statement issued to journalists by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, after the panel, chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile, submitted its findings.
The panel, constituted 11 days earlier, was mandated to probe allegations surrounding the surgery performed on Afolayan at EKSUTH.
According to the state government, the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the operation has been dismissed from service with immediate effect. Other members of the surgical team who were present in the operating theatre on the day of the procedure have been suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
The government also approved the panel’s recommendation to bear the full cost of a fresh kidney transplant for Afolayan, as well as take responsibility for his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
In addition, the state government ordered a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety.
While expressing confidence in the many dedicated health professionals at the teaching hospital, the government said it would not hesitate to take decisive action wherever professional standards are breached.
The Ekiti State Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting patients, upholding ethical standards in healthcare delivery and restoring public confidence in the state’s health system, assuring residents that necessary reforms would be implemented to prevent a recurrence.
It also thanked the people of the state for their patience and trust, pledging sustained improvements in quality healthcare delivery, compassion and responsible governance.