Consequently, the recruitment of donors becomes one of the most important aspects of Blood Transfusion Services. Thus, healthy, responsive and motivated voluntary blood donors are the back-bone of any service. The professional donor system was banned in the country with effect from January 1, 1998 as per the Honourable Supreme Court Judgment. The Policy therefore, aims at catalyzing a situation of near total voluntary blood donation programme and phasing out even the replacement donor system.

An incentive is defined as something that motivates a person to take action. In the case of blood donation, incentives should not influence people’s decision to donate blood and / or compromise the safety of the blood supply.

Incentives should not be conditional on a person actually donating blood. Incentives could be harmful not only to the recipient but also to the donor. Incentives will differ from country to country depending on each person’s hierarchy of needs e.g. cultural beliefs, personal values, economic factors etc.

If an incentive fulfils a person’s basic needs, this is viewed as payment. Incentives should not have a monetary value. Examples of acceptable incentives depending on the circumstances are:

• Health Screening
• Promotional campaign items e.g. T-shirts, meal vouchers, entertainment passes, etc.
• Recognition items e.g. certificates, pins, medals, badges, pens, etc.
• Free refreshments
• Time off work