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David McIntosh: No Time for More Debates When Blood and Plasma Shortages Cost Lives

David McIntosh/LinkedIn

Aug 17, 2026, 20:17

David McIntosh: No Time for More Debates When Blood and Plasma Shortages Cost Lives

David McIntosh, Founder and Chair of United Plasma Action, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“The Truth, Nothing but the Truth – and almost the Whole Truth

Dr Carrasco‘s outstanding series of articles is unfolding into a deeply thought-provoking piece of work.

When the definitive History is finally written of Humankind’s follies in the field of Blood and Plasma – and the millions of unnecessary deaths they’ve caused – Dr Carrasco’s deft will surely merit a Section of its own.

However, I’m reposting his Chapter III here with two purposes in mind

first, to recommend Dr Carrasco’s post as a deeply thought-provoking and helpful read for fellow LinkedIners still holding onto traditional ideas about so-called ‘altruistic’ donation of blood and/or plasma and
secondly to draw attention to the grotesque global death-rate that blood and plasma shortages are causing daily – most especially in Low and Middle Income Countries, including Mexico – and to suggest that this must be the really urgent focus of attention.

Even the most worthy and most thorough analysis of ancient myths is of no use to patients, carers and clinicians, with appropriate action.

In the time it takes to read this post, hundreds of suffering patients will lose their battle for Life. Hundreds of bereaved families will be starting their funeral preparations……

There is simply no time for more esoteric debates in this critical field. The facts are already absolutely clear.

despite 100 years of effort, we still haven’t achieved even half the global supply needed to avoid unnecessary suffering and death due to blood and plasma shortages. We’re clearly doing something very wrong – something not fit for purpose
despite this long history of chronic failure, the most influential authorities in the World still insist on sticking stubbornly to ‘policies’ that are in fact merely embedded dogma, of no use to man nor beast
the consequent global death toll is a dark blot on the conscience of Humankind – and should have pricked our collective conscience long since.

The solution is simple. Dr Carrasco has highlighted a highly important part of it –

stop believing in and promulgating the ancient myth of ‘altruistic’ donation just because it’s been around for so long. Subject it to sharp scrutiny. Examine the facts. (This Stage 1 should not take more than one week at most. All the necessary information is already available. The facts speak for themselves. The lovely fairytale ‘altruism’ story is a busted flush.)
globally, immediately cease and desist from all acts and omissions that ban inhibit or discourage Voluntary Reasonably Compensated Donation – either of blood or plasma or both.
encourage all countries, all Governments, all Healthcare Authorities, all Regulators and all Blood and Plasma organisations to put Voluntary Reasonably Compensated Donation on their list of appropriate, dignified and potentially life-saving policies for possible adoption, if needed.

Q.E.D. – or as we say in South America – ‘punto final'”

Other posts featuring David McIntosh on Hemostasis Today.