Health Minister: Romania's Stem Cell Donor Register To Be Operational In A Few Months

04.17.2011 By Bostan Radu

Romanian Health Minister Attila Cseke said Sunday on ProTV that the National Register of Voluntary Stem Cell Donors could become operational within a few months.

Romanian Health Minister Attila Cseke said Sunday on ProTV that the National Register of Voluntary Stem Cell Donors could become operational within a few months.

The minister said that, on May 1, the transfusion centers in every county will begin taking samples from volunteers. The project has been allotted 1.5 million lei (EUR1=RON4.0966) in 2011, but the initial budget will be increased.

The Register was set up in 2009, but has not become operational, lacking authorization from the Justice Ministry, because of bureaucratic procedures.

Earlier this week, the Government issued a Decision to get it running, which will be followed by a new act to increase its staff and funding.