The first policy of serious illness benefits of voluntary blood donors in China: implementation and suggestions

Abstract

Objective To analyze the implementation and problems in the process of the first policy of serious illness benefits for voluntary blood donors in China, therefore provide reference for other provinces and cities to formulate care policies for voluntary blood donors. Methods The number of blood donors who received serious illness benefits and the proportion to the total number of blood donors in that year were obtained by Excel, and their basic demographic information, illness and reasons for failing to receive benefits were analyzed. Results From 2015 to 2019, a total of 198 blood donors applied for serious illness benefits, and 159 received benefits (638 000 yuan), accounting for 0.017% of the total number of voluntary blood donors in Nanjing. The average age of the recipients was 52.66, with the proportion of males (63.5%) higher than that of females (36.5%). 52.8% (the highest proportion) got benefits of 5 000 yuan. 39 applicants failed to obtain serious illness benefits, among which 27 applicants failed during 2017 to 2018 due to unidentifiable funding source. But after Nanjing Blood Donation Regulations clarified the funding sources, the implementation of serious illness benefits policy was continued in 2018. Conclusion The implementation of serious illness benefits for voluntary blood donors presented the Nanjing municipal government's care for voluntary blood donors. The legalization of this policy is conducive to the continuity and stability of policy implementation. Relevant departments and blood centers should continue to strengthen the policy publicity and make sure the policy is implemented effectively.

Keywords

• nanjing
• voluntary blood donation
• severe illness benefits