National Blood Policy for Safe and Adequate Blood Supply

ABSTRACT

The Korea national blood services has been established since 1970 when the "Blood management law" was enacted. National blood services grew fast through 1980~1990 and the voluntary non-remunerated blood donation system was introduced successfully. However, blood-transmissible infections such as HIV, HCV, and HBV were documented since 2000, which compromised the confidentiality of national blood services. In 2004, the Korean government established the? National Blood Safety Plan? for the provision of safe and adequate blood supply. The major measures include the expansion of blood collection centers, improvement of blood screening laboratories, introduction of an investigation and compensation system of blood transfusion-related adverse events, introduction of blood transfusion guidelines and hospital blood services commitment, evolution of a national blood services organization, and the strengthening of national responsibility and support.