FCT NMA Chairman, Charles Ugwuanyi, made the call during a press briefing in Abuja.
By Lot Sunday
In response to alarming allegations of illegal kidney trade involving Alliance Hospital in Abuja, the FCT chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called upon the National Assembly (NASS) to enact specific legislation addressing and preventing organ trafficking within the country.
FCT NMA Chairman, Charles Ugwuanyi, during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasised the need for comprehensive laws to combat organ trafficking and safeguard the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
He argued that the existing legislation governing organ transplants in the country is insufficient to address emerging issues, pointing out that it only mandates donors to be above 18 years of age and prohibits financial inducements.
The call for legislative action comes in the wake of an investigative report by Daily Trust on December 10, exposing the thriving illegal kidney trade in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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The report outlined how agents operate freely, enticing economically disadvantaged young men to sell their kidneys, with no regulatory body overseeing such transactions.
In response to these findings, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, clarified via his official X account that the National Health Act 2014 already prohibits the illegal practices uncovered in the investigation.
However, he acknowledged the challenges in enforcement practices and the evasion of regulatory guidelines by criminals. Minister Pate also highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing regulations, as reflected in the proposed 2024 appropriation directed by President Bola Tinubu.
Charles Ugwuanyi, in his reaction to the Minister’s statement, stressed the importance of fair judgment for every potential case and called on relevant government authorities and the legislative arm to review existing laws.
Expressing concern about the potential increase in organ harvesting, he urged the government to strengthen laws to prevent such criminal activities in the future.
Ugwuanyi also appealed to the public to allow relevant authorities to handle the issue rather than blacklisting the hospital involved.
He pointed out that the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has a tribunal for addressing issues related to the malpractice of doctors, emphasizing the need for a balanced and thorough investigation.
