Héma-Québec to Take Over Distribution of Human Tissues for Quebec Hospitals
In a significant development, Héma-Québec, the organization with a monopoly on blood products in the province, will soon be solely responsible for the distribution of human tissues for all hospitals in Quebec starting December 2024. This mandate was given by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, signaling a major shift in the healthcare landscape of the province.
Hospitals have already been informed about this change, with Héma-Québec set to take over tissue distribution entirely. The organization has been involved in tissue harvesting and processing activities since 2001, making it well-equipped to handle this new responsibility.
With approximately 50 to 60 percent of tissues used in the hospital network in Quebec coming from donors collected and prepared by Héma-Québec, the organization plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable supply of tissues for medical procedures. By centralizing distribution, Héma-Québec aims to guarantee complete traceability of all human tissues used in hospitals, similar to the stringent measures already in place for blood products.
This move will not only streamline the process for hospitals but also provide patients with reassurance regarding the quality and safety of the tissues used for transplants. With Héma-Québec overseeing the identification of suppliers and conducting necessary investigations in case of quality issues, the healthcare system in Quebec is poised to benefit from this centralized approach to tissue distribution.