Avis Lombardy warns: private sector threatens blood donations

Contesto

In brief - 8.24% increase in plasma collection in 2025 - 89,210 units of plasma collected - Alarm over profit-driven companies' infiltration ## Key facts - What: Increase in plasma collection - When: 2025 data presented on April 26, 2026 - Where: Avis Lombardia regional assembly in Como - Who: Avis Lombardia, president Pierangelo Colavito - Amount: 89,210 units of plasma collected - Increase: 8.24% compared to 2024 The Lombardy transfusion system recorded a significant increase in plasma collection in 2025, with an 8.24% rise bringing the collected units to 89,210. This positive result was presented during the 55th regional assembly of Avis Lombardia, held in Como on Sunday, April 26, 2026. However, despite the encouraging numbers, Avis has raised an alarm about the risk of commercial speculation that could threaten the free-of-charge model of the National Health Service. The president of Avis Lombardia, Pierangelo Colavito, expressed concern over what he described as a 'silent colonization of volunteering' by profit-driven companies. According to the association, these companies are trying to occupy operational spaces such as donor recruitment and management of sensitive data, turning the altruistic gesture into an economic lever. 'It's not a frontal attack – he explained – but an organized infiltration. Delegating these functions to those aiming for profit means violating the spirit of the norm and betraying the trust of our donors.' To curb this trend, the delegates of the 12 provincial Avis groups unanimously approved a motion for active vigilance. The goal is to safeguard the Italian model, unique in its kind, based on anonymity and the total absence of remuneration. 'Blood is not a commodity – Colavito reiterated – and the donation is not a product. If we do n...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for Donors and the Healthcare System The alarm raised by Avis Lombardia has significant implications for donors and the healthcare system as a whole. The possible infiltration of for-profit companies into the blood donation sector could compromise donors' trust and undermine the model of gratuity that has made the Italian transfusion system a reference point internationally. ### The Risk of Commercialization The commercialization of blood and plasma could lead to a series of negative consequences. Firstly, it could create disparities in access to transfusion therapies, with the risk that less affluent patients are disadvantaged. Moreover, the management of donors' sensitive data by for-profit companies could raise concerns about privacy and data security. ### Defense of the Italian Model The Italian model, based on anonymity and gratuity, is unique in its kind and represents a fundamental value for the National Health Service. The motion approved by the delegates of the 12 provincial Avis aims to safeguard this model, ensuring that blood donation remains an altruistic gesture and not a source of profit. ### The Role of Young People The assembly in Como emphasized the importance of involving new generations in blood donation. Attracting new donors is crucial to ensure generational turnover and maintain the high quality of the transfusion system. The 24,000 new donors registered in the last year represent a positive sign, but it is necessary to continue working to attract new recruits and keep the enthusiasm for donation alive. ## Recommended tools For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Punti chiave

What to do to support blood donation To support blood donation and defend the model of gratuity, it is important that donors and citizens are aware of the risks associated with the commercialization of blood and plasma. Here are some concrete actions that can be taken: ### Inform and raise awareness It is essential to inform yourself about the initiatives promoted by Avis and other blood donor associations. Participating in events and awareness campaigns can help spread the culture of donation and engage new people. ### Become a donor If you are not already, becoming a blood donor is a concrete way to support the transfusion system. Donation is a simple and safe act that can save lives. To become a donor, you can contact the local Avis offices or visit the association's official website. ### Participate in monitoring initiatives Citizens can participate in the monitoring initiatives promoted by Avis to counter the infiltration of profit-making companies in the blood donation sector. This can include attending assemblies, signing petitions, and spreading accurate information. ### Use the tools on the website To learn more about blood donation and donors' rights, you can use the tools available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. Among these, the salary calculator can be useful to understand the tax impact of blood and plasma donation. Source: varesenews.it

Punti chiave

[{"q":"What is the increase in plasma collection in 2025?","a":"Plasma collection increased by 8.24% in 2025, reaching 89,210 units."},{"q":"What are the risks associated with the commercialization of blood?","a":"The commercialization of blood could create disparities in access to transfusion therapies and raise concerns about the privacy and security of donor data."},{"q":"How can I become a blood donor?","a":"To become a blood donor, you can contact local Avis branches or visit the association's official website."}]

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