Blood donations to be more convenient, rewarding

Voluntary blood donors may enjoy greater convenience and better rewards in China, according to a document released on Nov 19.

The document, jointly released by the National Health Commission and other departments, urged the incorporation of voluntary blood donations into the social credit system across the nation, and the establishment of an incentive mechanism that provides donors with preferential treatment in using communal facilities or visiting government-run parks.

A long-term mechanism for voluntary blood donation management should be improved, including improving blood station service systems and integrating the construction of blood donation centers as part of the city’s layout, the circular read.

The emergent supply capability of donated blood in cases of natural disasters or other emerging incidents should be strengthened, the document stated. Cross-regional blood distribution should not be charged extra fees, it emphasized.

The establishment of an Internet Plus service model was also encouraged to provide personalized services for blood donors.

The current preferential policy for voluntary blood donors should be improved so that when they or their immediate family members are discharged from the hospital, they could receive a deduction or exemption of blood fees more conveniently.

Blood safety management, including high-risk blood donor screening and early warning mechanisms, should continue to be improved, it clarified. Local departments should also improve blood screening strategies based on the local epidemic situation.

Blood supply and security capacity should also be improved in poverty-stricken areas to safeguard people's well-being, the circular read.

Data released by the National Health Commission showed that by June 2019, the number and quantity of voluntary blood donations had been growing for two consecutive decades.

2018 saw close to 15 million voluntary blood donations, with collected blood reaching 25 million units, the report said.