If blood from DOH is free, why pay?

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CEBU CITY — If blood is meant to be free, why are patients still paying for it?

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) addressed this question during a press conference on Monday held in observance of the World Blood Donor Day.

Dr. Mar Carlo Alcontin, medical officer III and part of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program, clarified that while blood from voluntary donors is not sold, patients are charged for the processing required before it can be safely used.

These include laboratory screening, infectious disease testing, cross-matching, storage and proper handling.

He said many people mistakenly believe they are paying for the blood itself, when, in fact, the fees cover essential steps to ensure the blood's safety and compatibility for transfusion. "Mao na siya atoang ang gagmay nga fees atoang pangayoon para continuously, atoang operations bitaw magpadayon, kay kanang operations cost man gud dili nato ma-apas, tendency mahurot gyud atoang facilties (That's why we collect these small fees, so that our operations can continue. Because if we can't keep up with the operational costs, there's a tendency that our facilities will eventually run out of resources)," he added.

Citing data from the Philippine Red Cross, DOH-7 said blood processing fees typically range from P1,000 to P1,800. These cover tests and preparations for whole blood, packed red cells, platelet concentrate and plasma.

Alcontin said that donations made during blood-letting drives and voluntary programs should be respected as humanitarian acts, not turned into commercial transactions.

He said access to safe blood must remain free from profit-driven motives.

Red light

The clarification followed recent developments in Metro Manila, where a hospital in Makati City lit its building in red to signal a low blood inventory.

The visual alarm drew public attention and reignited conversations on the country's blood inventory.

Alcontin said no hospitals in Central Visayas currently face such shortages. Still, he viewed the red lights as an effective advocacy tool, encouraging more people to donate blood.

He urged the public not to misinterpret the move negatively, as it serves to prompt lifesaving action.

Most common

Addressing questions about blood types, Alcontin confirmed that type O remains the most commonly requested, especially in emergency rooms and during surgeries.

Its universal donor properties, particularly in the case of O negative, make it essential in critical situations.

However, he warned against focusing solely on type O, emphasizing that all blood types are crucial. Patients with rarer types like AB negative or B positive also need steady supply.

Ensuring a balanced inventory, he said, allows hospitals to respond to any emergency without delay.

Blood banks in the region manage their stocks using the "first in, first out" method.

Alcontin explained that this system helps prevent spoilage, since each unit of blood expires after 35 days and must be discarded if unused.

So far, Central Visayas has maintained a sufficient blood supply, thanks to consistent donation drives backed by local governments, civic groups, hospitals and private partners.

Alcontin encouraged healthy individuals to donate blood regularly, not just in times of crisis.

He said sustained public involvement ensures that hospitals remain equipped to respond to emergencies and save lives year-round.