Shanghai is trying out two new incentives to address its chronic
blood shortage: free medical examinations and accident insurance
for donors.
When the plans are fully implemented, Shanghai will be the first
city in the nation to offer these innovations.
According to the Shanghai Blood Administration Office, 1,406
people gave 340 liters of blood during the weeklong Lunar New Year
holiday, a 30 percent increase over the same period last year.
However, 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 staff and students during the Lunar New Year,
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 the 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?eight
liters may enjoy an annual checkup, while those giving?one
liter may receive only a single exam."
Meanwhile, blood collection centers in the 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.
"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.
(Shanghai Daily?February 18, 2005)