Research on Japanese Opinion on Globalization of Blood Services

Sugawa M, Kawahara K and Doi T

Published on: 2023-10-22

Abstract

In line with the globalization of the Japanese blood services we conducted a survey on the attitudes of the Japanese toward the globalization. It was found that 53? 10s support the globalization, and approximately 67.3% of the participants support an introduction of blood selling. The average minimum amount desired in return for selling blood is 24.7$ per 400mL for experienced blood donors (1$=149 yen). This is far lower than the current market price in the United States. Nonetheless, public resistance is extremely strong to foreign companies’ blood collection centers, and there is also a marked preference for blood products derived from Japanese blood. Although the demand for immunoglobulin is expected to increase even more in the future, young people's unwillingness to donate blood is a social problem. We should examine these results carefully, improve not only blood donation education, but also school and home education, and make the youth aware of the nobleness and significance of voluntary blood donation to prevent Japan from returning to the tragic era of blood selling again. We must also strive to improve our self-sufficiency rate for a stable supply of safe plasma products through blood donation. It is now time to consider wise policies to achieve this.

The study limitation: The survey does not target minors, so the opinions of 16- and 17-year-olds are not included. As this survey targeted people who lacked sufficient knowledge about blood donation, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results.