The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its commitment to taking action against individuals involved in illegal organ harvesting in Abuja, including buyers, sellers, medical practitioners, and hospitals. This statement comes in response to a report titled “Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT,” published by Daily Trust newspaper.
The Director of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Patricia Deworitshe, issued a statement condemning the “barbaric and inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking.” The statement emphasized that the National Health Act (NHA) of 2014, Sections 51-56, expressly prohibited such illegal activities.
According to the provisions of the NHA, individuals who contravene or fail to comply with the specified sections commit an offense and are liable to conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years, or both.
The government urged the public to provide any useful information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators involved in illegal organ harvesting. A dedicated contact number (08033228978) was provided for reporting such activities, with an assurance that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
The statement emphasized that kidney donations should be based on informed consent, conducted with medical advice, and involve donors who are fully aware of the process. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is reportedly investigating allegations against medical practitioners engaged in such activities.
The Federal Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to improving regulatory standards and practices to enhance an effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
