DOH-7 explains why patients need to pay for blood

Local

IF blood was donated for free, why are patients still paying for it?

This issue was addressed by the Department of Health- Central Visayas (DOH-7) when it marked the World Blood Donor Day on Monday, June 16.

Dr. Mar Carlo T. Alcontin, medical officer III and member of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program under the DOH-7’s Non-Communicable Diseases Section, clarified that blood itself, especially those collected from voluntary donations, is not being sold. However, he explained that patients often incur charges because of the processes involved in testing and preparing blood for transfusion.

He said these charges cover laboratory screening, disease testing, cross-matching, proper storage, and handling. All these steps are necessary to ensure the safety of both the blood product and the patient receiving it.

Based on the data from Red Cross Philippines, several blood processing fees range from P1,000 up to P1,800. These include tests such as whole blood, packed red cells, platelet concentrate, and plasma.

According to Alcontin, the misconception that patients are paying for the blood itself is widespread. In reality, the payment goes toward making sure the blood is safe, clean, and compatible with the patient.

"Mao na siya atoang ang gagmay nga fees atoang pangayoon para continuously, atoang operations bitaw magpadayon, kay kanang operations cost man gud dili nato ma-apas, tendency mahurot gyud atoang facilties," he added.

He also emphasized that blood should not be treated as a commodity.

Donations made during blood drives and voluntary programs must be respected as humanitarian contributions that should remain accessible and non-commercialized.

The clarification was made in light of recent concerns in other regions. A hospital in Makati City, Metro Manila, recently flashed red lights outside its building to signify a critical drop in its blood inventory.

The red lighting caught public attention and sparked discussion about the state of blood supply in the country.

Alcontin said that no hospitals in Central Visayas are currently facing the same situation.

He added that while the flashing red lights might alarm the public, it is also a powerful tool for advocacy, prompting more people to donate and restock blood banks.

"Kana is another way nga pag-awhag og mga boluntaryo nga donors, dili nato siya tan-awon in a negative way," he said.

Alcontin also addressed the issue of blood type demand in hospitals. He said blood type O continues to be the most common and highly requested blood type in emergency rooms and operating tables.

This is largely because type O, particularly O negative, can be used as a universal donor in urgent cases.

However, he clarified that within blood banks, all blood types are equally important.

He said the belief that only type O is critical is misleading. There are patients who require other, sometimes rarer, blood types such as AB negative or B positive.

Maintaining a balanced inventory is necessary to ensure that everyone can be supported during emergencies.

Alcontin also explained how blood banks manage their stock. He said they follow a “first in, first out” system, meaning that the oldest units are used first.

This is done to ensure that the blood remains fresh and within safe usage limits.

He noted that each bag of blood has a storage life of only 35 days. After this period, it can no longer be safely transfused and must be discarded.

This makes inventory control and timely donation even more important, especially for rare blood types where donors are fewer.

DOH-7 said Central Visayas has so far maintained a sufficient supply of blood.

The region credits this to consistent blood donation campaigns supported by local government units, civic groups, medical institutions, and private partners.

Alcontin encouraged healthy individuals to continue donating blood regularly. He said that public participation is vital, not only during emergencies but all year round.(MYTVCebu)