New Law Encourages Blood Donation

As Farzona Abdulqaisova discovered, the aim is to improve the regulatory framework and encourage more people to give blood, and more often. Donation levels are currently low in Tajikistan.



Donors currently receive a payment worth around 12 US dollars, and have to undergo regular medical checks. The new law seeks to encourage more donation by stating that men who give 20 litres of blood over time, or 15 litres for women, will get free travel on public transport, 50 per cent reductions at pharmacies, and priority treatment at hospitals.



There was some debate in parliament around the issue of exporting blood. The provision was initially dropped from the bill, arguing that this was not really a problem for Tajikistan, but legislators insisted that it be reinstated.



The law will come into force once the Tajik president signs off on it.