The Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded a clarion call for legislative intervention to combat organ trafficking, underscoring the pressing concern within the medical community regarding this illicit practice.
The FCT chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association,Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi made this call during a news conference held in Abuja on Monday. He emphasised the need for due process, asserting that through legislative action, Nigeria could take significant strides in eradicating organ trafficking and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
Ugwuanyi pointed out the inadequacies of the current laws governing organ transplants in the country. He noted that existing regulations merely stipulate that donors must be above 18 years of age, with no provisions addressing financial inducements for organ donation.
This call for legislative action follows allegations of illegal organ trade and procedural violations involving Alliance Hospital, a medical facility based in Abuja. Ugwuanyi highlighted that the news conference aimed to present the perspective of chief consultant orthopaedic surgeon and proprietor of Alliance Hospital, Dr. Christopher Otabor regarding these allegations.
The FCT NMA chairman stressed that the news conference sought to caution the public, especially vulnerable Nigerians who might be coerced or deceived into selling their organs. He underscored that, aside from exploiting individuals, illicit organ trade poses significant health risks to both donors and recipients.
Ugwuanyi urgently advocated for comprehensive legislation to address organ trafficking, encompassing compensation, strict penalties for offenders and support and rehabilitation for victims. He emphasised the crucial role of increased public awareness and education regarding the dangers and consequences of organ trafficking.
The chairman urged a multi-sectoral approach involving government agencies, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and civil society organisations to effectively combat this issue. He called on the National Assembly to prioritise the enactment of laws specifically targeting organ trafficking, urging collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop legislation addressing the complexities of this illegal trade.
“It is hoped that by addressing organ trafficking through robust legislation, the country can effectively combat this criminal activity, protect its citizens, and uphold the principles of medical ethics and human rights,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Otabor defended Alliance Hospital, stating that the facility was not part of the illicit organ market and would not engage in such transactions. He expressed concerns about the hospital being pronounced guilty without due regard to facts.
Otabor encouraged media houses with genuine intentions to investigate and expose key players involved in illegal organ trade. He also called on the National Assembly to take the matter seriously, emphasising the need for legislative measures to tackle organ trafficking in the country.
In conclusion, the chairman highlighted that legislative involvement would send a strong message that organ trafficking would not be tolerated in Nigeria and those involved would face severe consequences.
Recalling that in Nigeria, kidney recipients typically source donors and present them to hospitals for screening, Ugwuanyi emphasised the importance of following legal requirements, including donor age verification, signed consent in the presence of witnesses and sworn affidavits affirming the decision to donate free from compulsion or financial inducement.
