The Nigerian government has announced that new guidelines for organ donation and transplant procedures will be released before the end of December.
This declaration comes as the government raises alarm over rising cases of unethical practices and criminal exploitation in the field of organ donation. Authorities say ignorance among citizens and the moral failures of some medical syndicates are major causes of the disturbing trend.
The soon-to-be-released guidelines were validated at a workshop in Abuja, where critical stakeholders gathered to finalize the details. The new rules aim to regulate organ transplants and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, Director of Hospital Services and Secretary of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee (NTHISC), explained the urgency of the guidelines. “The draft is ready,” he said, adding, “We are here to validate it with the input of experts. Once the Minister signs off and it is approved by the President, it becomes policy.”
Dr. Salaudeen stated that the guidelines would likely be implemented in December. “Everyone will be expected to comply,” he noted. “After one month, monitoring will begin to ensure strict adherence to these regulations, as established in the National Health Act 2024.”
This initiative stems from the NTHISC, a committee created by the National Health Act of 2014. The committee is responsible for setting minimum standards for Nigeria’s tertiary health facilities, accrediting hospitals, and regulating organ transplant centers. The guidelines address various organ transplants, including kidney, liver, bone marrow, and eye tissue transplants. They also cover ethical concerns related to gamete and embryo donation, storage, and surrogacy.
During the workshop, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Kachollom Daju, represented by Dr. Salaudeen, voiced her concern over recent troubling incidents involving organ harvesting. “We have witnessed unwholesome practices in recent times,” she remarked, adding that it is crucial to address these issues without delay.
“It may be hard to determine when these issues started,” she continued, “but we are faced with a reality that demands urgent action.”
Mrs. Daju stressed the importance of the guidelines as a solution to current and future health challenges. “Today’s meeting allows us to discuss these matters and set a balanced framework,” she said. “Representatives from different sectors bring invaluable insights that will help refine these guidelines.”
She commended the NTHISC team for their dedication and professionalism, adding, “Their commitment to creating standards that address ethical practices in organ donation is a step toward safer and more responsible healthcare.”
Professor Philip Abiodun, the chairman of NTHISC, highlighted the significance of establishing robust organ transplant guidelines. “These guidelines are essential for protecting vulnerable people from exploitation,” he stated. “When we address ethical concerns, strengthen legal frameworks, and promote public awareness, we build a more humane and efficient system.”
Professor Abiodun referenced Section 54(3) of the National Health Act of 2014, which authorizes the NTHISC to create the procedures and criteria for approving organ transplant centers across Nigeria. He emphasized that the committee will be actively registering and certifying health facilities based on compliance with the new guidelines.
The ultimate goal of the guidelines, according to Abiodun, is to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients. “Our aim is to build a culture of compliance, where health providers adhere strictly to ethical standards,” he said. “This will lead to a more reliable and humane system for organ transplants in Nigeria.”
In addition to legal frameworks and certification processes, the government hopes that the guidelines will reduce cases of human trafficking and unethical practices associated with organ transplants.
Dr. Salaudeen noted that the guidelines also outline monitoring and enforcement protocols to prevent malpractice. Health authorities plan to raise public awareness on the risks of illegal organ donation, especially among vulnerable groups.
With these guidelines, Nigeria joins the global effort to regulate organ transplants and ensure ethical practices. As the nation confronts challenges in healthcare and organ transplantation, authorities believe these guidelines will establish standards to safeguard lives and uphold integrity in medical procedures.
