The government has officially approved the 'Honorary Donor' badge for blood donors for the first time, the Ministry of Health reported. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The first recipients of the award will be 481 regular donors who fully meet the established requirements. The departmental badge is awarded to citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as foreigners and stateless persons for unpaid donation.
Specifically, donors must donate blood and/or platelets at least 40 times, and blood plasma at least 70 times. The badges will be produced by the Kazakhstan Mint.
Every detail of the medal carries deep meaning and has been approved by the Republican Commission on Heraldry of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the approved design, the main symbol of the badge is a drop of blood covered with rich red enamel. Inside the drop is a graphic rhythm of a heartbeat depicted in white enamel. The entire composition is framed by a matte circular rim.
Every year in Kazakhstan, more than 180,000 citizens become donors, making over 255,000 donations. As a result, more than 80,000 patients receive quality blood transfusion assistance annually, allowing them to save lives and recover.
According to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On Public Health and the Healthcare System', on days of medical examination and donation of blood and its components, the donor is released from work while retaining the average salary.