By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Ministry of Health has condemned the criminal act of kidney trafficking, promising to sanction offenders such as the sellers buyers, and medical practitioners with will face a fine of N1 million or two years imprisonment, or both.
Acting from the report from Daily Trust Newspaper publication titled” Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT’ , the ministry has condemned the practice.
In a statement signed and issued by
the Director, Media & Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe, the ministry said ” it 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 offense 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 on informed consent of the donor,
done based on medical advice with privileged information about the
process 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 an effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the renewed hope agenda.
The ministry has advised, the public 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.
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