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”.
The Ministry has noted
with great concern and condemns in totality such barbaric inhuman criminal
practice of kidney trafficking revealed in that report.
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 are liable on conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than
two years or both. It is pertinent to note that both the seller and the buyers
of this 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 with the 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 on 08033228978
for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators.
Signed:
Patricia
Deworitshe
Director
(Media & Public Relations)
20/12/2023
