Iran

Islamic Iran declares self-sufficiency in blood transfusion

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Iran has declared self-sufficiency in the production of blood and most of its products.

Managing director of Iran’s Blood Transfusion Organization on Wednesday announced that the country no longer needs to import blood as the population ratio of blood donors in the country has reached 27 out of every 1,000.

Ali Akbar Pour-Fathollah, who was speaking in the eastern-central city of Yazd, said Iran produces 2.1 million blood units each year which suffice the domestic needs for blood transfusion.

The official added that the 120,000 to 150,000 surplus plasma packs produced in Iran are sent to “credible international blood centers” to be changed to factor VIII and albumin.

Pour-Fathollah said Iran is trying to obtain the knowledge and expertise needed for the production of the two globular proteins, and if realized, the country can also claim full self-sufficiency in producing all blood components.

Iran has a centralized transfusion system in which the donations of blood are made for free and therapy with blood and its components is free of charge for all Iranian patients in need of the treatment.

Once heavily dependent on the import of plasma derivatives, Iran has established an improved system of surveillance on the use of blood components, resulting in a lower need for import of blood products.

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