By Jonathan Lois
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has bemoaned the rising cases of organ failure in Nigeria, saying it has not only become a medical concern but also a challenge to society.
Kalu spoke while playing host to a delegation of the Transplant Association of Nigeria (TAN) who paid him a courtesy visit last Friday, when he was informed that over 700 kidney transplants have been so far successfully done in Nigeria.
He however said that the parliament will collaborate with the Transplant Association of Nigeria (TAN) and other relevant authorities to ensure that the concerns were addressed.
In a press release by Livinus Nwabughiogu, chief press secretary to the deputy speaker, the delegation led by its President, Dr. Olalekan Olatise, lamented the superstitions, myth and other belief systems such as reincarnation that had inhibited the donation of organs, suggesting that a legal framework be put in place to make it compulsory.
According to him, the country is losing about 1.2 billion dollars annually to medical tourism abroad, stating that so far over 700 kidney transplant has been carried out successfully in Nigeria. Olatise also invited the deputy speaker.
