Federal and provincial health authorities have concluded their investigations into the tragic deaths of two plasma donors at Grifols collection centres in Winnipeg, determining that no connection exists between the donation process and the fatalities. This decision has prompted calls from advocates for a more thorough inquiry into the practices of the for-profit plasma collection company.
Investigations Confirm No Link to Deaths
Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for Health Canada, announced that the assessments regarding adverse reactions leading to the deaths in October and January are now complete. “No linkage has been established between the plasma donation process and the deaths of the donors in question,” he stated, directing any further inquiries to Manitoba’s chief medical examiner.
Stephanie Holfeld, the executive director of the Manitoba examiner’s office, supported Health Canada’s findings in a statement. She confirmed that an autopsy was completed for one of the deceased but did not disclose the individual’s identity. The second case, she noted, did not require an autopsy due to the established cause of death.
Minister Expresses Concern
Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara affirmed that the provincial government accepts the findings of the examiners and their decision against conducting a second autopsy. “These are tragic deaths,” Asagwara remarked. “Those families deserved answers to their questions. Manitobans deserved answers to their questions about whether or not there was a connection between the donation of plasma and their deaths.”
The minister described it as “irresponsible” to suggest that the examiners were withholding information, emphasising that decisions regarding public disclosures are made with strict confidentiality standards in mind.
Shift in Government Policy Considerations
While Asagwara had previously indicated that the government was considering a ban on paid plasma donations—similar to regulations in British Columbia and Quebec—the focus has now shifted towards educating the public about the safety of plasma donation. The minister referred to the practice as “a gift of life,” aiming to ensure that Manitobans can make informed choices.
Grifols, the only major commercial plasma collector in Canada, has faced significant scrutiny from both the public and Members of Parliament in Ottawa following the confirmation of the deaths. Health Canada was informed of these fatalities by Grifols on October 25, 2025, and January 30, 2026, occurring at separate locations in Winnipeg.
Previous Incidents and Ongoing Concerns
Health Canada confirmed that, over the past decade, only one other death related to plasma donation had been reported in Canada, which occurred in Winnipeg in June 2018. At the time, the collection site was operated by Prometic Plasma Resources, which Grifols acquired in 2022.
One of the deceased has been identified by friends and family as Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student at the University of Winnipeg. Alabede reportedly died shortly after donating plasma. Kat Lanteigne, an advocate for a publicly managed blood system, has called for a formal inquiry into Grifols’ operations and the donors’ deaths, expressing concern that a thorough forensic investigation was not conducted by Health Canada.
Lanteigne emphasised the need for urgent scrutiny, stating, “The urgent issue of high-frequency plasma donation and its adverse health impacts on donors is beyond troubling.”
As a response to the recent incidents, Health Canada has imposed new conditions on Grifols’ operating licences, citing “recurring, systemic deficiencies” at their collection sites. Of Grifols’ 17 centres in Canada, 16 must now reduce the number of appointments per hour, enhance supervision of new staff, and improve donor record-keeping.
Understanding Plasma Donation
Plasma, a straw-coloured component of blood, is crucial for the production of various medicines, particularly for patients with immune deficiencies. The process of donating plasma can take up to 90 minutes, as blood is drawn, separated into its components, and returned to the donor along with replacement fluids. Grifols allows donors to give plasma twice a week, compensating them between £30 and £100 per donation, contingent on the volume and frequency. Additionally, bonuses are offered for frequent donations.
Why it Matters
The investigation’s findings, while reassuring to some, highlight a broader concern regarding the safety and ethical implications of commercial plasma donation practices in Canada. The call for an inquiry reflects a growing unease among advocates and the public about the potential health risks associated with high-frequency donations and the profit-driven nature of plasma collection. Ensuring the safety and well-being of donors must remain a priority as the conversation around plasma donation evolves.
