The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter has raised a clarion call for urgent legislative action against organ trafficking.
READ ALSO: NMA advocates daily exercise for good health
The Chairman of the NMA FCT Chapter, Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi made the call during a press conference in responds to the recent publication of organ trafficking against Alliance Hospital and the Chief Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Proprietor, Dr. Christopher Otabor in Abuja, Nigeria.
Highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive laws to address this burgeoning concern within the medical community, Dr. Ugwuanyi emphasized the inadequacies in the current legal framework governing organ transplants, citing its limited depth and the potential risks associated with the illicit trade.
Dr. Ugwuanyi urged the media to be objective in their reportage and also cautioned vulnerable Nigerians against being coerced into selling their organs.
The Chairman of the NMA FCT Chapter underscored the immediate need for laws that criminalize organ trafficking, impose strict penalties on offenders, and provide support for victims.
He advocated for due process saying through legislative action, Nigeria can take a significant step towards eradicating organ trafficking and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
He said, “The law governing organ transplants in the country was scanty and limited in depth.
“It only requires the donor to be above 18 years of age and the fact that there is no financial inducement for the donation,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the National Assembly, medical professionals, and legal experts to develop comprehensive legislation to combat this criminal activity effectively.
On his part, the Chief Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon and Proprietor, Alliance Hospital and Services, Dr. Christopher Otabor vehemently denied Alliance Hospital’s involvement in illegal organ harvesting, stressing the existence of an organ market outside the hospital’s purview.
Dr. Otabor called for a thorough investigation into the alleged organ trafficking and encouraged media houses to uncover key players in this trade.
He said that the position against the hospital pronounced a guilty verdict on it and called for punishment for the hospital without due regard to facts.
“I encourage other media houses with genuine intentions to dig deep to unravel the key players in this trade. Alliance Hospital has nothing to do with illegal organ harvesting,” he said.
He expressed confidence in legislative measures by the National Assembly to send a strong message that organ trafficking would not be tolerated in Nigeria.
The medical experts in the country highlighted the prevalent practice of kidney recipients sourcing their own donors, with the hospital screening for compatibility and legal requirements.
“These requirements include the donor’s age above 18, signing consent in the presence of witnesses, and providing an affidavit affirming the voluntary decision to donate without compulsion or financial inducement.”
The NMA’s advocacy extends beyond legislation to include increased public awareness and education on the dangers of organ trafficking.
Dr. Ugwuanyi called for a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations to effectively tackle this complex issue, safeguard citizens, and uphold principles of medical ethics and human rights.
