BCCHS applauds Ontario's decision to ban payment for donations of blood and plasma

VANCOUVER, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - The British Columbia Chapter of the Canadian Hemophilia Society (BCCHS) applauds Ontario's lead in introducing Bill 21, the Safegaurding Health Care Integrity Act. This legislation will ensure that Canadians continue to have access to some of the safest blood products available, as it prohibits the payment for donated blood or plasma, except in extreme circumstances. Bill 21 reflects the recommendations of the Krever Inquiry that documented the failings in our blood system which lead to the tainted blood scandal of the 1980's. This bill passed unanimously, and the BCCHS sees this as a strong indication that safety and vigilance in the procurement of blood products continues to be crucial in our country's commitment to never let such a catastrophe happen again.

The BCCHS calls on other provinces to follow Ontario's lead and enact similar legislation in the very near future.



SOURCE: British Columbia Chapter, Canadian Hemophilia Society

Please contact Curtis Brandell, President of the BCCHS for further information: [email protected], Phone: [phone]