Marcinkova Urges Halt to Umbilical Cord Blood Donations in Slovakia (2)

Bratislava, 2 October (TASR) – MP Vladimira Marcinkova (Freedom and Solidarity) calls on the Health Ministry to halt umbilical cord blood donations in newborns. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, she revealed that law enforcement authorities have launched a criminal investigation into unauthorised collection of organs, tissues and cells, as well as misuse of power by a public official. „We are talking about a serious crime, and I am glad that the authorities I contacted nearly a year ago are now taking it seriously. This is about the health of newborns and the trust of parents in our healthcare system, who believed they were helping cancer patients, for example, by donating cord blood. From my findings, it turns out this wasn’t the case – the cord blood was used for experimental purposes,” said Marcinkova. She expressed satisfaction that in recent months, several hospitals have ended cooperation with problematic companies and organisations behind the donations. However, she warned that some facilities continue to collect cord blood – even from premature babies. „We have a hospital in Malacky (Bratislava region), a fully standard facility, where such therapies have been performed for years. There is also a day surgery clinic here in Bratislava. They promise miracle cures for autistic children or those with cerebral palsy, but these claims have no medical basis,” Marcinkova said. She criticised the Health Ministry and the National Transplant Organisation for no longer responding to her inquiries, despite past cooperation. „I want to believe that the effort to uncover this network does not rest solely on my shoulders. It must also matter to the Health Ministry and minister Kamil Sasko (Voice-SD), and together we can resolve this. This is not a coalition–opposition issue,” she stressed. Marcinkova called for a complete suspension of umbilical cord blood donations in Slovakia, pointing out that in the Czech Republic, not a single such donation was made last year, whereas in Slovakia there were hundreds. „We cannot say with certainty that there haven’t been adverse reactions. I want the state to have records of this and to keep it under control, especially now that law enforcement is taking action,” she added, noting she had also informed the Office for Supervision of Healthcare. She further stated that she had proposed legislation in Parliament to ban advertising of medical procedures and therapies lacking scientific backing, but it was rejected by MPs. „I am asking this coalition to answer the question – why does it refuse to regulate advertising of medical procedures? Does it want to protect citizens from harm, or protect charlatans?” the MP asked. The Health Ministry responded that it is working on several systemic and legislative changes, including the conditions for the collection and further use of cord blood. „The ministry will not comment on matters currently under investigation by law enforcement,” said Health Ministry spokesperson Veronika Danicova. NOTE: This story has been extended to include paragraphs 6-12 mf/mcs