Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Saskatchewan Nurses Latest To Oppose Pay-for-plasma Donation Clinic

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Mar, 2016 12:49 PM
    REGINA — Nurses are the latest group to join opposition to a private, for-profit plasma donor clinic in Saskatchewan.
     
    Tracy Zambory, president of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, has written a letter to federal Health Minister Jane Philpott that says nurses believe the clinic poses a serious safety risk to the blood supply.
     
    Canadian Plasma Resources opened its doors Feb. 18 and plans to pay people with $25 gift cards for making plasma donations.
     
    The centre will be inspected by Health Canada and has to comply with national regulations, including donor screening and testing.
     
    Zambory asks Philpott to immediately prevent Health Canada from issuing licenses to any clinic intending to pay donors for blood or plasma.
     
    Zambory also points to an inquiry into the tainted blood scandal of the 1980s which recommended against paid-donor blood clinics.
     
    "SUN is deeply concerned that any company paying donors for plasma would be operating in direct contravention of these recommendations and would once again be placing Canadians in great peril," Zambory said in letter Tuesday.
     
    The Canadian Union of Public Employees and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour have also called for a ban on such clinics.
     
    Philpott has fended off calls to close the clinic in Saskatchewan by saying Canada has one of the safest blood systems in the world. She said in the House of Commons on Feb. 18 that the government has "examined this in great detail" and is "approaching this matter looking at the science and making sure that there are no compromises to the safety of the blood system."
     
    Saskatchewan Health Minister Dustin Duncan supports the clinic and has noted that 80 per cent of plasma used in Canada currently comes from paid donors, largely in the United States, but also in Europe.
     
    Plasma is the straw-coloured liquid portion of blood.
     
    Canadian Plasma Resources says donating typically takes one hour. It says plasma collected will be used in other medical therapies, not for direct transfusions.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Quebec Hearings Set To Begin Into Taxi Industry And Uber

    Quebec Hearings Set To Begin Into Taxi Industry And Uber
    They are scheduled to last several days against the backdrop of sometimes hostile clashes between cabbies and Uber drivers.

    Quebec Hearings Set To Begin Into Taxi Industry And Uber

    Are We All Getting Fatter?

    Are We All Getting Fatter?
    The BMI average was found to be at a higher level for both males and females, and also across all social groups.

    Are We All Getting Fatter?

    How Fast Are Your Lungs Ageing? Here's The Lowdown

    How Fast Are Your Lungs Ageing? Here's The Lowdown
    Mothers who smoke, respiratory infections and the date you were born all contribute to determine how fast your lungs are ageing

    How Fast Are Your Lungs Ageing? Here's The Lowdown

    Half The World's People To Become Myopic By 2050, Says Study

    Half The World's People To Become Myopic By 2050, Says Study
    Nearly five billion people, that is about half the world's population, are poised to become myopic or short-sighted by the end of 2050, indicates a study.

    Half The World's People To Become Myopic By 2050, Says Study

    Your Boss Can Influence Your Health!

    Your Boss Can Influence Your Health!
    A new study suggests that managers must be provided with incentives to focus on creating a healthier work environment.

    Your Boss Can Influence Your Health!

    Don't Skip Breakfast If You Want To Remain Active

    Don't Skip Breakfast If You Want To Remain Active
    According to the team, increasing activity can improve health in sedentary people making them more active by controlling their blood sugar levels.

    Don't Skip Breakfast If You Want To Remain Active