BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has vowed to sanction the culprits–buyers, sellers, medical practitioners and hospitals–involved in illegal organ harvesting in Abuja.
This is even as the government enjoined the public with any useful information that could lead to the arrest of such perpetrators to contact 08033228978, promising that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
This followed a viral report published by one of the national dailies tagged: “Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT”.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Patricia Deworitshe on Wednesday night in Abuja, the ministry condemned the barbaric and inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking.
While acknowledging the pain of the victims, she informed the public that the National Health Act (NHA) 2014 Sections 51-56 prohibited such illegality.
Deworitshe stated that persons who contravened or failed to comply with the provisions of the section committed 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 stated that 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 of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement reads: “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.
“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.”
News Flash