Vietnam may allow individuals to establish human tissue banks

Vietnam is likely to permit individuals to form human tissue banks, aiming to socialize its health work and encourage scientific research, local media reported Thursday.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly of Vietnam, while discussing a draft law on human tissue and organ donation on Wednesday, agreed to let individuals set up the banks with donations of volunteers, Saigon Liberation newspaper reported.

The committee also agreed that people aged over 18 will have the rights to donate their tissues and organs when alive, and cadavers after their deaths; and those aged from 16 to below 18 can do that if their parents or representatives agree.

Under the draft law, donors will receive special healthcare treatment, free medical care, and annual check-ups after their donation.

The draft law has strict provisions on organ donations to prevent illegal trade, said the report.

Source: Xinhua