Brasília, March 3, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - For over six hours, the ex-coordinator of the Bone Marrow Transplant Center of the Inca (National Cancer Institute), Daniel Tabak, gave testimony before the External Commission of the Chamber that is investigating accusations of irregularities in bone marrow transplant procedures in the country. Tabak resigned last month after denouncing political interference in the execution of transplants.

During his testimony, the doctor upheld the accusations that have already been made against organs of the Ministry of Health. His principal target was the ex-coordinator of the National Transplant System, Diogo Mendes, who was dismissed last week by the Minister of Health, Humberto Costa, following the conclusion of an investigation. Tabak accused Mendes of poor management and said that the system is disorganized.

Tomorrow (4), beginning at 2:30 P.M., the External Commission will hear the testimony of the director of Specialized Care of the Ministry of Health's Secretariat of Health Care, Arthur Chioro dos Reis. The director declared that Tabak's accusations are groundless and that the coming depositions will make plain to the population the processes of bone marrow transplants in the country. (DAS)