Editor
By Fatima Saka
In the rampage of kidney harvesting in some part of the country, the federal government of Nigeria has moved to prosecute preparators indulging in such act.
This follows as the attention of the Federal Ministry of Health drawn to a report emanating from the Daily Trust Newspaper titled “Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT”.
This was contained in a press release signed by Patricia Deworitshe, Director Media and Public Relations, on Wednesday.
The ministry has noted with great concern and condemns in totality such barbaric inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking revealed in that report.
The ministry: “We acknowledge the pain of those affected and wish to let the public 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 offense and are 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 this illegal trade as well as the medical practitioners and facilities where this criminal act is being performed will face the full wrath of the law.
“Donation of kidneys should be on informed consent of the donor, done based on medical advice with privileged information about the process in order to save lives. However, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is looking into allegations leveled against medical practitioners engaged in such activities.”
While the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to improving
regulatory standards and practices to enhance effective and efficient healthcare systems in line with the renewed hope agenda, the public is hereby advised not to engage in such illegal practices and should contact the Federal Ministry of Health on 08033228978 for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators.
