Brussels, 03/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - During the EPSCO Council meeting (see other article), health ministers are expected to adopt conclusions on Thursday 6 December, on organ donations and transplants. This text underlines that in order to guarantee quality and safety, given the current shortage of organs, it would be useful to proceed to assessments of the appropriate risks and take into account the characteristics of the organ as well as those of the recipient. Pooling member state efforts to assess transplant results will contribute to a safer and more efficient use of organ donors.
The Council is expected to call on member states to enhance the efficiency of transplant systems and exchange best practices. The Commission is also expected to be invited to “pursue its work to increase the availability of organs and, in consultation, with member states, continue to examine the need for an EU framework on quality and safety of human organs by taking into account the specificities of organ transplants and the work of the Council of Europe”. (O.J.)