Legal framework to be created for human organ transplantation

April 26, 2005

Ha Noi (VNA) - The Health Ministry is putting the final touches on a draft ordinance on human tissue and organ donation and transplantation to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration this year.

The issuance of the ordinance will create a strict legal framework for operation in this domain and help solve related social issues.

The draft ordinance contains regulations on donating, receiving and transplanting human tissues and organs for humanitarian and non-profit purposes such as curing diseases, lecturing and conducting scientific research. It also prohibits the stealing of human tissue and organs or the use of force to obtain human tissue or organs in all of its forms.

It also clearly states the rights of living donors and the families of deceased donors.

Deputy Director of the Health Ministry's Legal Department Nguyen Huy Quang said the ordinance, apart from dealing with related medical issues, is adapted to the country's traditions, lifestyle and behavioural standards.

Viet Nam began conducting kidney transplants in 1992, Quang said, noting that organ transplants are only carried out on an experimental scale due to the absence of legal regulations.

The future enactment of the ordinance is expected to facilitate not only organ transplantation surgery conducted at home but also international cooperation in this area.

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This article posted May 31, 2005.