Ekweremadu’s ordeals avoidable if…, NMA insists

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has blamed the neglect of health facilities by the government for the rising rate of medical tourism, especially by the elites.

The association cited the recent conviction of former Senate Deputy President, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and Obinna Obeta, a medical doctor, by a court in the United Kingdom as an avoidable situation.

It said the convictions would have been avoided as procedures for organ transplantation could have been professionally and ethically carried out in the country.

The NMA, while urging doctors and dentists to abide by all the ethics guiding the medical profession, further admonished them to be conversant with national and international guidelines for organ donations, harvesting and transplantation, including Assisted Reproduction Technology, as such guidelines vary from one country to another.

The NMA, in a communique by its President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, after its 63rd Annual Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) in Taraba State, said: “The AGC/DM noted with deep concern the conviction of three Nigerians namely Senator Ike Ekweremadu (former Deputy President of the Senate), his wife; Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, and a medical doctor; Dr. Obinna Obeta in the United Kingdom for trafficking for organ harvesting of a 21-year-old poor and vulnerable Nigerian.

“It was also noted that experts and facilities that could handle such organ transplantation were available in Nigeria but usually spurned by our government officials in preference for medical tourism.

“The AGC/DM urged Nigerians to know that the details of the above guidelines also vary from one country to another.

“Furthermore, the AGC/DM implored the Federal Government to protect poor and vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation for organ donation.

“Finally, the AGC/DM called on Government to establish world-class health facilities in Nigeria and advised our leaders to shun unnecessary medical tourism.”