Controversial plasma clinic expands in New Brunswick

Two new clinics have opened in Fredericton and Saint John, offering to pay people for their plasma. These clinics are part of a larger network owned by Grifols, a Spanish multinational pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturer. The first clinic was established in Moncton in 2017, and now there are a total of 13 sites across Canada.

Plasma, which makes up more than half of a person’s blood, is rich in protein and can be used in various medical situations. It can be transfused directly into patients in urgent cases like severe infections or excessive bleeding. Plasma can also be manufactured into medications like immunoglobulins, which is the primary use of the plasma collected by Grifols.

However, not everyone is in favor of these for-profit plasma clinics. Jean-Claude Basque of the New Brunswick Health Coalition believes that these clinics target vulnerable people living in poverty, pushing them to sell their plasma frequently to make more money. Basque argues that using the human body as a profit-making tool is unethical.

Another blood safety advocate, Curtis Brandell, shares similar concerns. He believes that paying for plasma can put the health and safety of Canadians at risk. Brandell points out that most countries around the world are moving away from paid plasma collection, except for Canada and the United States.

In Canada, the issue of paid plasma collection has been a topic of debate. Some provinces, like Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, have banned the practice. However, in 2022, a partnership between Canadian Blood Services and Grifols led to the exemption of Canadian Blood Services from the ban in Ontario. This partnership allows Grifols to operate clinics in the province.

Despite the controversy surrounding paid plasma collection, Grifols continues to expand its presence in Canada. The company offers compensation ranging from $40 to $100 per visit, with bonuses for frequent donors. Grifols manufactures plasma into immunoglobulins, primarily for Canadian Blood Services, but there are concerns about the surplus blood components that are not being used.

Critics like Basque argue that paid plasma collection goes against the recommendations of the Krever inquiry, which was established in response to the tainted blood crisis in the 1980s. Justice Horace Krever recommended the establishment of a voluntary blood collection system, leading to the creation of Canadian Blood Services. Basque believes that private companies should not be involved in blood collection, as there is a lack of government oversight.

In conclusion, the debate over paid plasma collection continues in Canada, with advocates and critics voicing their concerns about the ethical implications and potential risks associated with these clinics. The future of paid plasma collection in Canada remains uncertain as more clinics open across the country.