Health Ministry to Amend Legislation for Setting up and Operating Biobanks

Bratislava, 20 November (TASR) - The Health Ministry is drawing up an amendment to the Health-care Act in order to adjust the conditions for setting up and operating biobanks for research purposes while also providing the donors of biological samples with the required legal protection, TASR reported on Thursday based on preliminary information published by the ministry. The goal of the planned amendment is to create a clear legislative framework for biobanking research as a specific type of biomedical research. The protection of donors should be strengthened in particular as regards informed consent and the handling of personal and medical data. Furthermore, the amendment should enable Slovak research teams to become more involved in international projects. "At the same time, it will make it possible to add the lacking capacities for the scientific and research infrastructure needed to enable them to implement and develop their own research and development activities at workplaces in Slovakia," stated the ministry, adding that the definition of biomedical research should be supplemented to cover new and internationally defined areas. According to the ministry, biobanking is the main tool for modern biomedical research, clinical trials and natural sciences. "Biobanks are becoming key institutions not only for biomedical research but also for applied research in the field of personalised medicine, developing new drugs, diagnostic methods and public health," stated the ministry, adding that the amendment is expected to be submitted for a review procedure in December of this year. jrg/df