Malta To Get New Blood, Stem Cell Transfusion And Tissue Bank Facility
The work on a new facility for the National Blood, Tissue, and Stem Cell Transfusion Service is progressing well.
Health and Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela visited the ongoing works being carried out by the Foundation for Medical Services together with the National Blood Transfusion Service as part of a €30 million project, which will see a new facility for the National Blood Transfusion Service.
The facility is expected to cater to various requirements, including new services.
The new centre will ensure the continuation of current key services while supporting the introduction of new services that will allow the development of new therapeutic strategies such as blood processing laboratories, blood testing, microbiology, and quality control, as well as facilities that enable cell manipulation.
The new services will also include Tissue Typing (HLA) facilities, stem cell and bone marrow banking services. Tissue Typing is used to match patients and donors for bone marrow or cord blood transplants.
Minister Jo Etienne Abela explained that the introduction of these new services will complement the Oncology Hospital and eliminate the need to travel abroad for treatment when undergoing intensive chemotherapy or radiological treatment that requires support from stem cell transplants.
“This project, which is co-financed by European funds, is expected to be completed in 2025. Through this new facility, the work environment will be improved, benefiting both patients and employees, while also offering new opportunities for scientists, staff, and health science students,” concluded Minister Abela.
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