Manitoba may ban paid plasma collection

 

 

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asaguara announced that a ban on paid plasma collection is being considered after two people died at plasma collection centers in Winnipeg, Canada. Two deaths were reported while receiving plasma in October last year and on January 30 of this year. In October, a young woman named Rodiath Alabede died of cardiac arrest while donating plasma.

The minister stated that the safety of the public is the first priority and that strict measures, including a ban, will be taken after receiving a report from Health Canada. The tragic incidents took place at centers run by Spanish company Grifols. However, the company and Health Canada's initial argument is that there is no evidence yet that there is a direct link between the deaths and plasma collection. Plasma is a protein-rich fluid used to treat bleeding, liver diseases and cancer. This private company, which has been operating in Winnipeg since 2022, pays plasma donors. A detailed investigation into the safety standards at these centers is currently underway.