The FCT Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has intensified its call for legislative measures to combat organ trafficking, accentuating the escalating concern within the medical realm regarding this illegal practice. Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, the FCT Chairman of the NMA, fervently advocated for due process, highlighting that enacting comprehensive legislation could mark a pivotal stride in eradicating organ trafficking and safeguarding the populace.
Dr. Ugwuanyi underscored the inadequacy of existing laws governing organ transplants in Nigeria, citing their limited scope and depth. He articulated that the current legislation only mandates donors to be above 18 years old and prohibits financial inducement for donation. This comes in the wake of allegations implicating an Abuja-based medical facility in illicit organ trade and disregarding due process.
The imperative to conduct a news conference was espoused by Mr. Ugwuanyi to elucidate the stance of Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Chief Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Proprietor of Alliance Hospital, Abuja, in light of the mentioned allegations. Furthermore, the conference aimed to caution the public, particularly vulnerable Nigerians who are susceptible to coercion and deception into parting with their organs.
Underlining the exploitation of individuals and the grave health hazards posed to both organ donors and recipients, Mr. Ugwuanyi emphasized the critical need for legislation to combat organ trafficking and ensure the welfare of the Nigerian populace. His poignant appeal stressed the requirement for robust laws that not only criminalize organ trafficking but also mete out stringent penalties to perpetrators while providing support and rehabilitation to victims.
The chairman unequivocally underscored the exigency of heightened public awareness and education regarding the perils and repercussions of organ trafficking. He postulated that a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations was imperative in effectively addressing this issue. Consequently, he called upon the National Assembly to accord primacy to enacting laws specifically targeting organ trafficking.
Moreover, Mr. Ugwuanyi urged lawmakers to synergize with pertinent stakeholders, including medical professionals and legal experts, to formulate comprehensive legislation that comprehensively addresses the intricacies of this illicit trade. This collective endeavor strives to decisively combat organ trafficking, fortify the protection of citizens, and uphold the precepts of medical ethics and human rights.
In a rejoinder, Dr. Otabor categorically repudiated any association between Alliance Hospital and the abhorrent organ market, lamenting the hasty judgment pronounced against the hospital. He passionately implored genuine media entities to delve deeper into uncovering the culprits fueling this trade, while affirming Alliance Hospital’s steadfast adherence to ethical medical practices.
Dr. Otabor expressed sanguinity that the National Assembly would earnestly address the matter and initiate legislative measures to curb organ trafficking in the country. He underscored that legislative involvement and the enactment of apt laws would unequivocally signal intolerance towards organ trafficking and ensure that perpetrators face severe ramifications.
It is noteworthy that in Nigeria, kidney recipients typically source their donors and subject them to hospital screening for compatibility and fitness for donation. Subsequently, the hospital corroborates their legal eligibility, which entails the donor being at least 18 years old, providing consent witnessed by two adults, and attesting through an affidavit that the decision to donate was voluntary, devoid of coercion or financial inducement.
Nigerian experts have reiterated the urgency of tackling organ trafficking through legislative fortification, vehemently reiterating the imperative of stringent laws as a vanguard against this nefarious trade.
NAN
