The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called for legislative action against organ trafficking, emphasizing the need for comprehensive laws to address this illegal practice.
Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, the FCT Chairman of the NMA, made the call during a news conference in Abuja, citing a recent allegation of illegal organ trade involving Alliance Hospital, an Abuja-based medical facility.
Ugwuanyi highlighted the importance of due process and legislative intervention to eradicate organ trafficking, expressing concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals coerced or deceived into selling their organs.
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He stressed that such illicit trade poses significant health risks to both donors and recipients.
The chairman urged the National Assembly to prioritize the enactment of laws specifically targeting organ trafficking. He called for collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including medical professionals and legal experts, to develop comprehensive legislation with strict penalties for offenders and support mechanisms for victims.
Meanwhile, Dr. Christopher Otabor, the Chief Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Proprietor of Alliance Hospital, denied involvement in illegal organ harvesting, stating that the hospital was not part of any organ market. Otabor criticized the verdict against the hospital without due consideration of facts and encouraged media houses with genuine intentions to investigate and uncover key players in the organ trade.
The NMA’s advocacy reflects a broader concern within the medical community to combat organ trafficking through legal measures, protecting the welfare of individuals and upholding medical ethics and human rights principles.
