The Ekiti State Government has dismissed a surgeon at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) over the alleged removal of a patient’s kidneys during a surgical procedure.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti, following the submission of the report of a seven-member investigation panel.
The panel, chaired by Prof. Francis Faduyile, was constituted 11 days ago to investigate allegations made by a patient, Mr Joshua Afolayan, concerning a surgery he underwent at EKSUTH.
Filani said the dismissal followed a careful review of the panel’s findings and recommendations.
“Upon consideration of the report, the Ekiti State Government has approved the dismissal of the surgeon who had primary responsibility for the surgery from the service of EKSUTH with immediate effect,” he said.
He added that all members of the surgical team present in the theatre during the operation had been suspended for one month, pending further administrative review.
The commissioner further stated that the state government would bear the full cost of a kidney transplant for Afolayan and take responsibility for his post-transplant care and related medical maintenance for two years.
“In line with the panel’s recommendations, a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH will also be undertaken to strengthen clinical governance, accountability and patient safety,” Filani said.
He noted that while the government recognised the dedication and sacrifices of health professionals at EKSUTH, it would not hesitate to take decisive action where professional standards were breached.
“The Ekiti State Government remains committed to protecting patients, upholding ethical and professional standards in healthcare delivery, and restoring public confidence in the state’s health system,” he said.
Filani assured that necessary reforms would be pursued to prevent a recurrence of such incidents and to ensure that EKSUTH continued to function as a centre of excellence in patient care
He thanked the people of Ekiti State for their patience and trust, reaffirming the government’s commitment to quality healthcare, compassion and responsible governance.
