Severe Blood Plasma Shortage Threatens Medical Supply

Germany faces a critical shortage of blood plasma, essential for treating chronic illnesses and emergency medical situations.

Only 3.5% of Germans regularly donate blood, leading to a significant shortfall in plasma supplies.
Blood plasma is vital for producing medications for conditions like immune deficiencies, hemophilia, and cancer.
An aging population and declining number of young donors exacerbate the plasma shortage.
Private centers offer compensation to plasma donors, but ethical concerns prevent widespread monetary incentives.
Efforts are underway to promote plasma donation as a societal responsibility, with potential non-monetary rewards.