Organ Harvesting: ‘Beam Searchlight on Your Members’, NAPTIP Urges NMA

Alex Enumah in Abuja

As reported cases of organ harvesting continue to be on the increase, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to beam its searchlight on activities of its members, noting that removal of organs for transplant can only be done by professionals in the medical profession.

Director-General, NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, who gave the charge at a media briefing in Abuja, expressed worry that the incident of organ harvesting which is closely connected to human trafficking has become a booming business on a global scale in today’s world.

Okah-Donli said trafficking for sexual and labour purposes is no longer attractive to traffickers hence they turn to organ harvesting. She therefore called on all concerned Nigerians to join the agency in the fight against human trafficking and other organised transnational crimes.

While remarking that NAPTIP was in concerted efforts with the Police and other sister agencies to ensure that culprits were brought to book so as to discourage others, she called on the medical association to begin the monitoring of its members, noting that removal of organs from people can only be done by medical doctors.

“Illegal organ harvesting and trafficking have become another business venture whereby organs of victims of human trafficking are harvested unwillingly and sold. Trafficking for sexual and labour purposes seem no longer a quick money-making venture for the traffickers who are not ready to wait for years for their “Investments” to yield desired results”, she said.

“Consequently, I have directed the investigation Department to liaise with the Nigerian Police Force anytime there is a reported case of ritual murder to ensure that it is not a case of illegal harvesting of organs.

“We are aware that removing of organs for transplant can only be done by professionals in the medical profession. I therefore, call on members of the Nigerian Medical Association to do a soul-search concerning their members’ involvement in such dastardly activities,” she said.