The Ekiti State Government has taken swift and decisive action following a panel’s investigation into a botched surgical procedure at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) that left a patient, Mr. Joshua Afolayan, in need of a new kidney transplant.
In a statement by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Fulani, the government announced that the lead surgeon has been dismissed with immediate effect, while other team members present during the operation have been suspended for a month.
Adding that the state government will cover the full cost of Afolayan’s kidney transplant and post-transplant care for two years.
The investigation confirmed that the incident was a surgical complication, not organ harvesting for rituals as initially alleged. The government vows to uphold professional standards, protect patients, and restore public confidence in the state’s healthcare system.
The government acknowledged the dedication of EKSUTH’s healthcare professionals but emphasized that it will not tolerate breaches in professional standards. Reforms are underway to prevent similar incidents and maintain EKSUTH’s status as a centre of excellence.
