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EU proposes legislation to improve organ donation, transplant rules |
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08:46, December 09, 2008 |
The European Commission on Monday adopted a legislative proposal aimed at minimizing the risk for the organ transplant recipient and improving and optimizing the allocation of organs across the European Union (EU).
The proposed legislation provides a clear legal framework for organ donation and transplantation in the EU. Under the legislation, a national competent authority would be created or designated in every member state to ensure compliance with EU quality and safety standards on organ donation.
These standards include establishing a trace ability system of human organs and a reporting system of serious adverse events and reactions. To facilitate exchange of human organs, data collection on specific organ characteristics will be standardized.
The commission also adopted an action plan to promote cooperation among EU member states in strengthening organ donation and transplantation systems.
The 10-point action plan for 2009-2015 addresses the three key challenges in organ donation and transplantation in the EU: improving the quality and safety of organs, increasing organ availability and making transplant systems more efficient and accessible.
"These measures are all about saving lives. We want to reassure citizens and patients across Europe that the EU and member states are working together to maximize efforts to provide high quality and safe transplantation systems," said EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou.
There are currently 56,000 patients waiting for a suitable organ donor in the EU. It is estimated that every day 12 people die while waiting for transplantation.
Source:Xinhua
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