The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic took part in the “Noble Legacy” debate organised by the Center for Democracy with the cooperation of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Welcoming all present, the National Assembly Speaker expressed pleasure at being given a second chance to publicly support the national campaign of organ donation currently underway in Serbia.

Assembly Speaker Djukic-Dejanovic reminded all present that the field was legally regulated by the Law on Organ Transplantation and Law on Cell and Tissue Transplantation, adopted by the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia on 31 August 2009, thus creating the conditions for transplantations according to modern standards of medical science and practice.

Stressing that Serbian citizens are still doubtful about donating their organs, which is somewhat understandable considering the insufficient awareness, the National Assembly Speaker pointed out that public debates were a good way to let go of prejudice and deeply rooted beliefs and invited all the citizens to join this noble action. Stating that she herself is voluntary organ donor, the Assembly Speaker said that there is no greater satisfaction than knowing that by donating one’s organs one person can save up to seven human lives.

At the end of her address, the National Assembly Speaker proposed that raising awareness on the significance and humaneness of this act should be made part of the elementary education system.

Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, prominent physicians, scientists, public figures, persons who had received organs, as well as those who had donated them, also took part in the debate.