The Ekiti State Government has taken decisive action following a disturbing medical incident at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), where a patient lost a kidney during a surgical procedure. The state has dismissed the lead surgeon involved and pledged to cover the cost of a new transplant for the affected patient.
Surgeon Dismissed, Team Suspended After Panel Findings
This significant decision was announced by the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, on December 20, 2025. It came after the government reviewed a detailed report from a seven-man panel of enquiry led by Professor Francis Faduyile.
The panel investigated the case of Joshua Afolayan, who alleged that doctors at EKSUTH removed his kidney during an operation. Afolayan stated that pre-surgery scans indicated only one kidney was damaged, but post-operative tests revealed he had been left with no kidney at all.
Based on the panel's findings, the government acted swiftly. The surgeon with primary responsibility for the operation has been dismissed with immediate effect. Other members of the surgical team present during the procedure have not escaped sanction; they have been suspended for one month, pending a further administrative review.
Government Pledges Full Support for Patient and Hospital Reform
In a move to address the profound harm caused to Joshua Afolayan, the Ekiti State Government has made a substantial commitment. The state will fully fund a new kidney transplant for Afolayan. Furthermore, it will cover all his post-transplant care and related medical expenses for a period of two years.
Recognising systemic failures, the government also announced plans for a comprehensive reorganisation of relevant departments within EKSUTH. This overhaul aims to strengthen accountability, enhance patient safety, and improve overall clinical governance at the teaching hospital.
A Warning to Health Workers and a Reaffirmation of Support
While taking firm action, the state government's statement struck a balance. It reaffirmed its support for diligent health workers across Ekiti State. However, it issued a clear warning that it will not hesitate to take firm action where professional standards are breached.
This case, which gained widespread public attention earlier in December 2025, has highlighted critical issues in medical ethics and hospital management. The government's response, involving dismissal, suspension, patient compensation, and institutional reform, sets a precedent for handling medical negligence in Nigeria's public health sector.
