CHINA: China Admits Illegal Blood Collection Still a Problem

The unsanitary blood-buying programs that were one of the main causes of China's AIDS epidemic were outlawed in 1996. Today, however, state media reported that the practice is still rampant. "Illegal blood collection still exists in some blood stations and even medical institutions. There is no strict mechanism to ensure the safety of blood sources," said Vice Minister of Health Ma Xiaowei. Henan was the hardest-hit by the blood-buying scandal, and in that province authorities recently shut down 49 blood collection and provision institutions to curb the practice, the China News Service said, noting that 35 serious cases of illegal blood collection are under investigation. Nineteen suspects have been arrested. Forty-two blood collection stations and medical services have received "severe punishment" for illegal blood deals, the news agency said. After examining blood products from 24 companies, authorities ordered three to halt production.