|
New lures for blood donors
(eastday.com)
Updated: 2005-02-18 08:29
Shanghai is trying out two new incentives to address its chronic blood
shortage: free medical exams and accident insurance for donors.
When the
plans are fully implemented, Shanghai would become the first city in the nation
to offer these innovations.
The moves come even as some hopeful signs are
on the horizon for the local blood bank. According to the Shanghai Blood
Administration Office, 1,406 people gave 340 liters of blood during the weeklong
Spring Festival holiday, a 30 percent increase over the same period last
year.
Officials said more locals are marking the holiday by giving
blood.
The problem, however, is that the festival period is a slow time
for blood donations overall, and despite the higher numbers this year, the
city's reserves are getting low.
"Since most enterprises and universities
don't organize donations by their staffs and students during the Spring
Festival, the present storage is approaching the 600-liter alarm point," said
Song Qi, a spokesman for the blood administration.
"Moreover, clinical
demand for blood is due to rise sharply, as many patients will undergo surgeries
after the festival."
Song said local hospitals use some 180 to 220 liters
of blood a day, raising the need for more incentives for donors.
"We are
talking with Shanghai No. 6 People's Hospital to give free health examinations
for regular donors starting late next month. The requirements for donation
amounts are still under discussion," Song said. "For instance, people donating 8
liters may enjoy an annual check, while those giving 1 liter may receive only a
single exam."
In the other effort, blood collection centers in Minhang
and Jiading districts are giving every donor a one-year, 7,000-yuan (US$843)
policy covering accidental injuries. Minhang launched the program in June, while
Jiading began last month. City officials said they may introduce the incentives
to other districts if they prove effective in those areas.
"Through
December, 4,681 donors received the insurance, and everyone said they were
encouraged to give a second donation," said Yang Haiyan, vice director of the
Minhang District Blood Administration Office.
|
