The Nigerian government has revealed its intent to save lives through ethical practices and adhere to international best practice, as it unveils standards and guidelines for establishing and coordinating organ/tissue transplantation services in the country.
In a statement issued by the Ministry on Thursday, it said this is with the aim of providing hope and promoting transparency and accountability.
The country’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare stated this at the Official Launch of the Standards and Guidelines Document, held at the ministry’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the document will be instrumental in enhancing organ donation and practices in Nigeria, adding that it is a life-giving opportunity that offers a second chance to individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure.
“Today, we are here to unveil a comprehensive framework that will regulate Organ and Tissue Transplantation Services in our country. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to saving lives through ethical practices and robust oversight mechanisms, the Minister, represented by the Director, Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salahudeen Jimoh mni, said.
“This document is particularly important, given Nigeria’s unique challenges. In recent times, we witnessed troubling incidents of unethical organ harvesting and other excesses within the organ transplantation workspace.
“These cases underscore the urgent need for stringent regulations to protect organ donors and recipients alike, he said.The document was validated on November 13, 2024.
The Minister, while describing the guidelines as a product of extensive collaboration among healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organizations and other key stakeholders, he said every detail was carefully scrutinized during the validation process to ensure it addresses the challenges faced in the Nigeria.
Key areas of the document include ethics in transplantation, donor protection, transplant patients’ safety, minimum standards in Organ Transplant as well as the procedure to ensure compliance.
The Minister also promised that health institutions involved in organ donation and transplantation will be certified to ensure match best international standards.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom mni, represented by the Director Human Resource Management Department, Tetshoma Dafeta, expressed gratitude to the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee and all stakeholders, describing the document as a milestone in its mission to improve healthcare and save lives.
“It is also a beginning. Let us work together to implement these guidelines effectively and build a future where organ transplantation in Nigeria is a beacon of hope, not a source of fear”, she said.