The Ministry of Health has emphasized that blood should not be treated as a commodity for sale or purchase. In a recent announcement, the ministry clarified that the approved fees are merely symbolic and cover administrative procedures related to blood preservation, transportation, and laboratory tests. These fees are exempted for donors, as the ministry aims to encourage blood donation, reports Al-Jarida Daily.
According to the ministry, the decision to implement these symbolic fees followed a thorough study conducted over a year and a half. The fees are not an end in themselves but rather a means to promote the value of blood donation. It is important to note that emergency medical cases requiring blood transfusion, such as critical cases, children’s cases, and cancer patients, are exempted from these fees. The ministry also highlighted that when compared to fees in other countries in the region, the fees in question remain symbolic, considering the actual costs associated with blood transfusion and preservation, as well as the technical and administrative procedures involved.
The Ministry of Health believes that the implementation of these fees will contribute significantly to the rationalization and appropriate utilization of blood transfusion services for those who truly need them. Furthermore, the ministry periodically reviews the fees for medical services, taking into account the public interest and making necessary adjustments.