TORONTO, May 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Made up of deeply concerned Ontarians, the Ontario Plasma Coalition was launched to address the provincial government's irresponsible handling of Ontario's plasma supply and its attempts at banning compensated donations with Bill 178. In partnership with Canadian Plasma Resources, the Coalition was formed following thousands of responses received through PlasmaForOntario.ca.
"We believe Ontario should strive for a self-sufficient supply of plasma used to manufacture life-saving pharmaceutical products, and we know banning compensated donations will prevent that from happening," said Dr. Barzin Bahardoust, CEO of Canadian Plasma Resources.
FACT: Ontario relies on compensated donors from the United States for 80 per cent of our plasma products.
"We are deeply concerned that the government has been unwilling to listen to experts or to take the time to fully understand the issue before introducing knee-jerk legislation that will ensure Ontarians remain dependent and reliant on others to solve our plasma needs," Dr. Bahardoust said.
FACT: Patient groups across the province said they are dismayed they haven't been consulted. They fear if other governments are as reckless as Ontario Liberals and ban compensation for a donor's time, or simply refuse to provide plasma products to Canada, it would put the lives of thousands of Ontarians at risk.
"It is our hope during this election campaign to engage Ontarians about the need for life-saving plasma products and the safety of compensated plasma donations," Dr. Bahardoust said.
SOURCE: Ontario Plasma Coalition
John Laforet, Broadview Strategy Group, (647) 748-3300, [email protected]
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