The Federal Government has introduced new standards and guidelines to regulate organ and tissue transplantation services across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official launch of the guidelines on Thursday in Abuja, Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, emphasized that the initiative marks a major milestone in enhancing ethical organ donation and transplantation practices in the country.
A Life-Saving Framework
Salako described the guidelines as a collaborative effort involving healthcare professionals, legal experts, professional bodies, media organizations, and key stakeholders.
“This document provides a comprehensive framework to regulate organ and tissue transplantation services nationwide,” Salako said. “It reflects our commitment to saving lives through ethical practices and robust oversight mechanisms.”
The minister highlighted the urgent need for regulation due to recent cases of unethical organ harvesting and other malpractices within the sector.
“These troubling incidents underscore the need for stringent regulations to protect both organ donors and recipients,” he added.
Key Areas of the Guidelines
The new framework focuses on:
- Ethical standards in transplantation
- Donor protection measures
- Patient safety protocols
- Minimum requirements for organ transplant procedures
- Regulatory compliance mechanisms
“These guidelines aim to restore trust in organ donation by promoting transparency, accountability, and international best practices,” Salako noted.
Strengthening Oversight
To ensure compliance, the government will:
- Certify and monitor health institutions involved in transplantation
- Establish a national organ donation and transplantation registry
- Create an organ banking system to improve management
Salako, who was represented by Salahudeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, assured Nigerians that every aspect of the guidelines was carefully reviewed to address Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“These efforts will ensure that our organ transplant system meets the highest global standards while safeguarding the rights of all involved,” he concluded.