Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7719)
Republic Act No. 7719 is known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994.
The primary policy is to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the citizenry and to recognize the provision of blood for transfusion as a professional medical service and not a sale of a commodity.
A voluntary blood donor is a person who donates blood on one's own volition or initiative and without monetary compensation.
A commercial blood bank is a blood bank that exists for profit.
Any person who establishes and operates a blood bank without a license shall suffer imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years and one (1) day nor more than twenty (20) years or a fine ranging from Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) to Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000), or both at the court's discretion.
The Department of Health may provide nonmonetary incentives to voluntary donors as determined under the law, although these are not specified in detail in the Act.
The Department of Health is mandated to organize a National Blood Transfusion Service Network, set standards for blood banks, provide training, monitor safety and regulate the operation of blood banks, and promulgate implementing rules and regulations.
Commercial blood banks are to be phased out within two years after the effectivity of the Act, extendable by an additional two years by the Secretary of Health.
Blood banks/centers shall operate on a non-profit basis and may collect service fees not greater than the maximum prescribed by the Department of Health, limited to necessary expenses incurred in collecting and processing blood.
The Act mandates sustained nationwide public education campaigns, inclusion in school health subjects at all levels, training for medical professionals, and community-based programs to promote voluntary blood donation.
A Walking Blood Donor is a qualified voluntary blood donor included in a community list who is ready to donate blood when needed, especially in areas with inadequate blood banking facilities.
All blood banks/centers are required to provide preventive health services such as education and counseling on blood transfusion transmissible diseases.
The Department of Health, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Duty Free Shop trust liability account, and contributions from civic organizations.
Diseases that may be transmitted via blood transfusion including AIDS, Hepatitis-B, Malaria, and Syphilis.
The Secretary may impose fines, suspension, or revocation of license to operate a blood bank/center, and recommend suspension or revocation of professional licenses when applicable.