Alliance Hospital, a multidisciplinary health facility located in Abuja, has categorically denied allegations that it is involved in illegal kidney transplant activities. The report implicating him was described as false, biased and malicious by the hospital.
In a statement by the hospital’s medical director, Dr. Christopher Otabor, he explained that there was no evidence of financial transactions between the hospital, its staff and the donors or their representatives. He also clarified that kidney recipients were responsible for finding their donors who were then subjected to a selection and evaluation process by the hospital.
The hospital stressed that all kidney donations were carried out in compliance with legal regulations on the matter. These regulations stipulate that the donor must be over 18 years old, sign consent in the presence of two adult witnesses, swear an affidavit affirming their age and guarantee that the decision to donate is voluntary and there is no coercion or financial incentive.
It should be noted that the legislation governing organ transplants in Nigeria is incomplete and limited in its application. It only requires that the donor be over 18 and that there be no financial incentive. The hospital strictly followed these protocols for all the kidney transplant cases it performed.
The hospital has responded to allegations that it is involved in illegal kidney transplant practices. He stressed that these accusations were unfounded and that he knew nothing of such illicit activities. Dr Otabor expressed his disappointment at the smear campaign aimed at discrediting the Alliance Hospital.
He also highlighted that the hospital established its kidney transplant unit to meet the growing demand for treatment of kidney diseases in Nigeria. The establishment has enjoyed great success since the creation of this unit in 2017.
In its statement, the hospital demanded that the author of the articles withdraw the defamatory allegations within a specified period, failing which legal action would be taken.
It is important to investigate illegal practices related to organ transplantation in Nigeria, but we must also be careful not to make hasty and biased judgments. Alliance Hospital is clearly distancing itself from the illegal practices discussed in the articles, and the authors should focus on the real players in this illegal trade.
In conclusion, it is important to distinguish between legitimate medical establishments that follow regulations and illegal practices that exist in the field of organ transplantation in Nigeria. Alliance Hospital has been transparent and has demanded respect for its reputation as a law-abiding medical facility. These allegations must be investigated thoroughly and impartially in order to shed light on this matter.