Barbados could soon establish a legal framework for human tissue and organ transplants, including access to a regional organ bank, as Government prepares to debate landmark legislation in the Senate this week.
Minister of Health and Wellness Senator Lisa Cummins announced on Friday that new legislation to govern the importation of human tissue and organs, as well as organ donor provisions, will come before the Senate on Wednesday.
Speaking during the signing ceremony for the Albert Cecil Graham Development Centre Sensory Room Improvement Project, Cummins described the bill as a significant step forward for the country’s health care system.
“I’m really excited about that upcoming debate because of that landmark piece of legislation. We now have the importation of tissue and organs in the draft of the legislation in the event that for whatever reason you need to have a part, you have a bank in the region,” she said.
Cummins explained that the proposed legislation would allow Barbados to benefit from a regional organ hub, improving access to organs and tissues that may not be readily available within individual Caribbean countries.
“Everyone in the region may not have access to all organs individually, but when having a regional hub there will be enough resources,” she said.
The health minister also used the occasion to call for greater collaboration between Government, the corporate sector and service organisations to strengthen the country’s health care system.
Thanking the Legacy Foundation and the Rotary Club of Barbados South for supporting the sensory room upgrade, Cummins said partnerships of that nature were essential, but stressed that broader support was needed.
(TH)