No obligation to work with for-profit plasma clinics, says Canadian Blood Services
Canada's first for-profit plasma donor clinic opened last week in Saskatoon. But critics say it could threaten the safety of Canada's blood supply.
Short of money? Give plasma. Or ... sell your plasma.
That's the pitch from Canadian Plasma Resources. It officially opened the country's first for-profit plasma clinic last week in Saskatoon. Donors will receive a $25 gift card for each donation. The plasma will be sent to a pharmaceutical plant in the United States where it will be used to make plasma-based medical products.
The company says it can help alleviate Canada's shortage of plasma. But critics say paying for plasma could threaten the safety of Canada's blood supply.
Dr. Graham Sher is chief executive of the Canadian Blood Services, which manages the country's blood supply.
This segment was produced by The Current's Ines Colabrese.