Uproar over teen’s death after series of blood donations
The death of a 19-year-old boy in Shanxi province, after being “encouraged” to donate blood plasma 16 times in eight months, has caused a public uproar online.
On January 15, Zhao Wei, from Xinzhou city, died at home after he returned from work.
The next day, his father, Zhao Zhijie, found receipts under his son’s mattress showing extensive plasma donations between May and December 2023.
Plasma is collected through an automated process that separates plasma from other blood components and returns the red blood cells and platelets to the donor.
The receipts showed that the younger Zhao had given plasma 16 times in the eight months before his death, with the shortest interval between donations just 12 days. He even donated three times in one month during that period.
A medical report on January 5 revealed that he was diagnosed with palpitations, severe anaemia and a blood disorder.
On the day he died, Zhao had told his friend on WeChat he was not feeling well, saying: “I’ve been feeling too weak to do anything.”
“It’s because your body has reached its limit. Stop donating blood. You need to eat well and recover fully first before considering other things,” his friend said.
While blood donation is voluntary involving the extraction of whole blood and is allowed only once every six months, giving plasma can be run as a commercial activity. It is done at blood stations operated by private firms and collects only the plasma.
Regulations issued by the National Health Commission in 2021 state the interval between plasma donations must be no less than 14 days, and the total donations cannot exceed 24 in a year.
Under these guidelines, Zhao Wei’s donations, especially with intervals as short as 12 days, were in clear violation.
WeChat conversation records revealed an intermediary would arrange transport to pick up Zhao Wei and pay him 260 to 300 yuan (HK$287 to HK$324) each time.
He once inquired whether he should donate on October 30 or wait until November 1, asking if a third donation within one month was permissible. The intermediary replied: “30.”
After Zhao’s death, his father demanded the plasma collection firm be held accountable.
“They seduce these young people into frequently ‘selling blood’, which led to my son’s long-term, frequent blood donations,” he told Xinhuanghe news media platform. “As a father, all I seek is justice for my son.”
Despite the apparent rule violation, on March 18, Xinzhou Tiantan Biological Single Plasma Collection, said Zhao Wei met the criteria, and it had strictly adhered to national regulations.
Some [traditions] still need to be complied with, and it is the only way we can find solace to express our longing for departed loved ones
A SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTER SLAMS ATTEMPTS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO CRACK DOWN ON THE BURNING OF JOSS PAPER AND OTHER OFFERINGS DURING THIS YEAR’S CHING MING FESTIVAL
It’s because your body has reached its limit. Stop donating blood. You need to eat well
ZHAO WEI’S FRIEND
“Relevant authorities have been engaged. We are proceeding according to the directives of these authorities. Should any procedure be found improper, legal action can be pursued,” a member of staff said.
The Xinfu District Health Commission said the incident was under investigation.
The teenager’s death ignited outrage online. “Luring donors that leads to the death of young people is a serious matter; the plasma collection company must be strictly punished,” one wrote.
“Why so many donations at such a young age? Losing such a vibrant life is heartbreakingly tragic,” said another.