Nigeria's Healthcare System Vulnerabilities Exposed by Organ Theft

 

The healthcare system in Nigeria is under scrutiny due to a concerning trend of poorly managed surgical procedures, some of which have sinister motives involving organ theft. These incidents have eroded trust in local healthcare, leading to an annual expenditure ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion by Nigerians on medical tourism abroad.

Recent cases, like the kidney harvest at a private clinic in Nasarawa and the intestine removal from a 12-year-old patient in Lagos, have raised questions about the prevalence of subpar practices within the healthcare system.

This growing distrust is driving a demand for enhanced patient protection, including the provision of clear documentation of vital organ status before and after surgeries. However, this additional safeguard comes at a cost, which can be a significant barrier for many patients already struggling to afford surgical procedures.

In the case of Adebola Akin-Bright, whose situation is still under investigation, both private and public hospitals are entangled in a blame game over a botched procedure. This incident underscores the need for better regulation and accountability within the healthcare sector.

Medical professionals emphasize that ethical standards forbid doctors or professionals from removing body organs without a legitimate medical reason, though such misconducts occasionally occur under the radar. Proper communication with patients and their families about surgical outcomes and potential organ removal is essential.

While regulatory bodies exist, their capacity to monitor health practices is limited due to a shortage of manpower. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals to report any signs of unqualified or unethical medical practices to agencies like HEFAMAA.

Experts in the field also highlight the importance of enforcing specialization within the medical profession to prevent unqualified individuals from performing surgeries. Organizations like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Health should play a more active role in sanitizing the healthcare practice in Nigeria.