The Federal Ministry of Health, in response to a report by a National Daily revealing a kidney trafficking practice in the nation’s capital has vowed to punish the perpetrators and everyone involved.
Director (Media & Public Relations) of the ministry, Patricia Deworitshe disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.
TheFact Daily gathered that the hospital accused of the crime in the report had released a press statement calling it a campaign of calumny.
According to Deworitshe, “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Health has been 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’.
“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 offence and is liable on conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than two years or both”.
She said the donation of kidneys should be on informed consent of the donor and based on medical advice and therefore advised the public not to engage in such illegal practices:
“It is pertinent to note that both the seller and the buyers of the 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 levelled 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 system 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 for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators.
“The Ministry has noted with great concern and condemns in totality such barbaric inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking revealed in that report”, the Director said.
