In Langfang, Hebei, a man who had donated blood 8 times was hospitalized in mid-August and needed a blood transfusion. However, he was informed that his blood donation card had expired and was invalidated, so they couldn’t provide him with blood. After the incident was exposed, it triggered social concern. The blood center and the hospital stated that they could provide him with blood.
On August 19, Mr. Li from Langfang City told reporters that he urgently needed blood while hospitalized at the Second Hospital of Bazhou City. He was told that his blood donation card had expired due to not donating blood recently, and therefore they couldn’t give him a transfusion.
Mr. Li mentioned that between 2011 and 2020, he had donated blood a total of 8 times, with the last donation on October 15, 2020, amounting to 400ml.
On August 20, staff from the Second Hospital of Bazhou City confirmed the situation to the reporters, blaming it on the Langfang City Central Blood Station. They stated that if the blood center does not provide blood, they have no way to obtain it. However, staff at the Langfang City Central Blood Station said that there is no rule stating that only those with recent blood donation records can receive blood or have priority. If they have the blood in supply, they will provide it to the hospital upon request.
After attempting to contact the Langfang Health and Health Commission multiple times without success, Mr. Li reported that following the media coverage, both the Langfang City Central Blood Station and the Second Hospital of Bazhou City contacted him and assured him that they could provide him with a blood transfusion.
Staff at the Langfang City Central Blood Station assured Mr. Li that if he ever needs a blood transfusion in the future, he can contact them at any time. Regarding the issue raised by the hospital claiming that the blood center refused to allocate blood, the staff stated that the hospital had not submitted any blood allocation requests to them, and the blood supply at the center is currently sufficient.
Similarly, staff from the Second Hospital of Bazhou City contacted Mr. Li on the same day, inquiring if he still needed a blood transfusion and informing him that they could arrange it for him. However, Mr. Li decided to rest at home for now and opt for surgery at a later suitable time.
This incident sparked online attention, and from feedback from netizens, it appears to be a widespread occurrence. Various users shared their experiences, expressing frustration and questioning the policies regarding blood donation and transfusion.
Under public pressure, on August 27, the Langfang Health Commission announced that personnel involved in the incident had misunderstood the policy and provided incorrect information. They took disciplinary action against those responsible and clarified that the blood donation card is valid for life.