The Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has dismissed a surgeon found culpable in the unauthorised removal of a patient’s kidney during a surgical procedure, following the findings of a state-appointed panel of inquiry.
The dismissal was announced on Friday by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who said the decision followed confirmation of the allegation by an investigative panel chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile.
The case came to light after Joshua Afolayan, a kidney-transplant recipient, raised the alarm that one of his kidneys had been removed without his knowledge or consent during surgery at the teaching hospital.
According to the commissioner, the panel’s investigation established that the surgeon had primary responsibility for the operation and acted in violation of medical ethics and patient safety standards.
“The surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery is to be dismissed from EKSUTH with immediate effect,” Dr. Filani said in a statement.
He added that all members of the surgical team present in the operating theatre at the time of the procedure would be suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
In an attempt to mitigate the damage caused, the Ekiti State Government pledged to fully fund a new kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan, including post-transplant care and medication for a period of two years.
Dr. Filani also disclosed that the hospital would undergo a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety.
“In line with the panel’s recommendations, a re-organisation of affected departments within EKSUTH will be carried out to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” he said.
The identity of the dismissed surgeon has not been made public, and the hospital has declined further comment on the matter.
However, the incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with Nigerians demanding criminal prosecution and greater transparency.
“Justice should not only be done but must be seen to have been done. The surgeon should be prosecuted, and his identity made public so others do not fall victim to criminals posing as medical professionals,” wrote one concerned citizen, Jude Okonkwo.
While the state government’s action has been welcomed by some, calls for criminal accountability continue to mount as the public awaits further steps from law enforcement authorities.
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