Kazakhstan has introduced a state system to reward blood donors. The government has approved the departmental badge 'Құрметті донор' ('Honorary Donor'). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the Ministry of Health, the first 481 people will receive the medal. The design was created by the Kazakhstan Mint.
Under the government resolution, the badge is awarded to Kazakh citizens, as well as foreigners and stateless persons, for voluntary donations. To receive the award, one must donate blood or platelets at least 40 times, or blood plasma at least 70 times.
The medal, approved by the Heraldry Commission, is shaped like a stylized blood drop coated with burgundy enamel. Inside, it features a heartbeat rhythm. The composition is framed by a circular matte band.
The new resolution aims to recognize the contribution of people who help over 80,000 patients annually. The ministry notes that more than 180,000 citizens become donors each year, performing over 255,000 donations.
Plasma donation (plasmapheresis) takes about 40 minutes. Plasma recovers quickly, so it can be donated more often than whole blood. Platelet donation (plateletpheresis) is a longer process, taking up to 1.5 hours. Platelets are needed to treat patients with severe blood diseases and cancer.
Previously, Kursiv Health reported on the introduction of the ScanQAN QR blood identification system in Kazakhstan.