Slovenian Parents Fear Stem Cells for 2,500 Children May Be Destroyed Amidst Ministry Dispute

A protest outside Slovenia's Ministry of Health has highlighted a critical situation where stem cells belonging to approximately 2,500 children are at risk of being destroyed within days. Parents involved are expressing deep frustration, accusing the responsible institutions of failing to act in accordance with their legal duties and even contradicting previous decisions.

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We were informed by the minister's office that they would not receive us and that we should submit a written request, which is very surprising.

"We were informed by the minister's office that they would not receive us and that we should submit a written request, which is very surprising," the parents stated, emphasizing their numerous previous communications with the ministry. They feel a lack of dialogue and are disappointed by the ministry's apparent lack of engagement.

The crisis involves the former Biobanka and its current operator, GaiaCell. Parents claim that GaiaCell, led by Gordana Kalan Živčec, is blocking access for essential liquid nitrogen refills needed to preserve the samples. GaiaCell, which took over samples from around 4,000 individuals in 2024 without a proper contract, reportedly believes it should be compensated by authorities for continued storage, as it does not consider itself Biobanka's legal successor. This dispute has led to threats of cutting off nitrogen supply, and approximately 400 samples were destroyed last year.

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As far as I know, this is some kind of relationship with a private provider. Here we have competent institutions that have certain responsibilities. I believe and appeal that they also fulfill these responsibilities.

The Ministry of Health acknowledges awareness of the issue and the parents' concerns. Minister of Health Tadej Ostrc stated that while he understands the parents' anxiety, the matter involves a private provider and that competent institutions should exercise their authority. However, the National Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices (JAZMP) has stated it is not responsible for mediating financial agreements or operational aspects of stem cell storage, suggesting parents directly negotiate with GaiaCell and Istrabenz.

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Those who pay for the gas supply cannot be hindered.