Do you know that blood donation is of mutual benefit?

Did you know?

The body will replace the fluids of the donated blood in just 24 hours. The red blood cells will be replaced in about 6 to 8 weeks. After 3 months, the donor can choose to donate again and will continue to do so until the age of 65 years.

A blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of an effective health system. Ensuring safe and sufficient blood supplies requires the development of a nationally coordinated blood transfusion service based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. However, in many countries, blood services face the challenge of making sufficient blood available, while also ensuring its quality and safety.

However, while we commemorate our great heroes (blood donors) on June 14 every year, it is not out of place to enumerate the benefits of blood donation and the high cost of donated blood.

Health benefits of blood donation include:

• Reduction of harmful iron stores (i.e., a condition called hemochromatosis which causes iron overload) in the body.

• Cancer risk reduction.

• Cardiovascular health preservation.

• Burn calories

• Free blood analysis and the feeling of pride.

In most developed countries, bloods are free, but due to the peculiarities of developing countries should recipients have free access to donated blood, subsidize it or fully pay for it?