The government, for the first time agreed to participate in the costs of non-profit bone marrow databanks. This stipulation was included in a private members' bill -- approved on Monday for its second and third/final reading by the Knesset Labor, Wealth and Health Committee -- to regulate such databases. The Treasury agreed to help cover the costs of such facilities, which find compatible matches for people needing treatment for certain cancers. The cost of carrying out tests on saliva or blood samples and processing them (usually abroad) to find compatible donors is very high. Treasury budgets division official Yair Zilberstein agreed that the government would contribute to their upkeep and said NIS 5 million would be allocated for 2011. When the law is approved, such databanks will be permitted to operate only after receiving approval from the Health Ministry director-general. They would be bound by laws regarding privacy and no sample could be taken without consent in writing. Samples could be taken only from the age of 17, except when used for a family member, and a minor could not be registered as a potential donor for someone who is not a relative.
