China is facing a blood donation crisis due to declining public trust in the donation system and demographic changes, according to a new report.
The report, published by Myanmar-based media outlet Mizzima, said blood banks across China are running low, with the national blood donation rate standing at 10.9 donors per 1,000 people by mid-2026, only slightly above the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 10 donors per 1,000 people.
The report noted that this rate remains significantly lower than the average of 31.5 donors per 1,000 people in high-income countries. It added that while clinical demand for blood is increasing by nearly 9 per cent annually, voluntary blood donations have grown by only 1.69 per cent during the same period.
"The imbalance is stark: hospitals require thousands of units daily, but donation centres remain empty, forcing postponements of non-urgent surgeries and leaving patients vulnerable," the report said.
According to the report, public confidence in the blood donation system has declined because hospitals charge high fees for blood transfusions despite blood being donated voluntarily. It said a typical 200 ml blood transfusion costs around 1,000 yuan, while platelet transfusions are even more expensive.
The report also claimed that official assurances that blood donors and their families would receive priority access to transfusions have not been consistently honoured. It alleged that some hospitals denied blood to donors, stating that their donation certificates had expired.
It further said that the speed with which compatible organs are reportedly located for transplantation has led to public concerns about the country's organ procurement system.
The report highlighted a sharp decline in donations from young people, particularly university students. Student blood donations reportedly fell by 55 per cent, from 2.36 million in 2023 to 1.06 million in 2025. At the same time, China's ageing population and record-low birth rate are shrinking the pool of eligible blood donors.
According to the report, Chinese authorities are considering measures such as increasing the maximum eligible age for blood donation from 55 to 65 years and reducing the interval between donations from six months in an effort to improve blood supplies. It added that while these steps may provide temporary relief, they are unlikely to address the long-term structural challenges affecting donor availability.
With Inputs From IANS