By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a surgeon at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and suspended other members of a surgical team following an investigation into a controversial surgical procedure that left a patient without kidneys.
The decision followed the submission of a detailed report by a seven member Panel of Enquiry chaired by Professor Francis Faduyile. The panel was constituted 11 days earlier to investigate claims by Mr. Joshua Afolayan concerning a surgery he underwent at EKSUTH.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the government said the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the operation has been dismissed from the service of EKSUTH with immediate effect. All other members of the surgical team present in the theatre on the day of the operation have also been suspended from duty for one month, pending further administrative review.
As part of measures to address the impact of the incident, the Ekiti State Government announced that it will bear the full cost of a new kidney transplant for Mr. Afolayan. The government also committed to covering his post-transplant care and transplant-related medical maintenance for a period of two years.
Dr. Filani disclosed that, in line with the recommendations of the panel, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH would be carried out to strengthen clinical governance, accountability, and patient safety.
While acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices of health professionals at EKSUTH, the government stated that it would not hesitate to take decisive action whenever professional standards are breached.
The government further clarified that following a thorough review of actions before, during, and after the surgery, the incident was confirmed to be a case of surgical complication and not organ harvesting for ritual purposes, as had been alleged in some quarters.
Reaffirming its commitment to ethical and professional healthcare delivery, the Ekiti State Government said it remains resolute in protecting patients, restoring public confidence in the state’s health system, and ensuring that necessary reforms are implemented to prevent a recurrence.
