Grifols, the largest private operator of plasma donation centers in Canada, has suspended plasma collection operations nationwide following intensified scrutiny from health regulators. The company announced the temporary halt on Wednesday, citing “unfounded attention” to its practices, though the move follows a formal notice of non-compliance from Health Canada. Grifols operates 17 centers across six provinces, making it the sole major commercial plasma collector in the country. The suspension comes amid investigations into the deaths of two donors linked to its Winnipeg clinics, raising serious concerns about safety protocols and regulatory adherence. The decision to pause operations was made voluntarily by Grifols, according to a statement released by the company. It emphasized that the move allows time to collaborate with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services to establish a framework for a sustainable plasma collection system. Despite the pause, Health Canada affirmed that the nation’s blood supply remains secure and that it will continue working with Grifols to resolve outstanding issues before any sites can reopen. A spokesperson for the federal health department stated that the temporary closure does not compromise the safety of the blood supply. Health Canada’s recent inspection of Grifols’ Winnipeg facility on June 23 uncovered several operational deficiencies, including inadequate record-keeping, insufficient maintenance of critical equipment, and improper assessments of donor eligibility. These findings were part of a broader pattern of non-compliance, with the agency having issued six notices of non-compliance to Grifols clinics across five provinces since 2022. Inspections conducted in the past year highlighted recurring safety and operational shortcomings, including improper donor screening, staffing shortages, and a lack of oversight. The scrutiny intensified after the deaths of two young donors. Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old university student, died in October 2023 after donating plasma at the Taylor Avenue clinic in Winnipeg. Another donor, whose identity has not been disclosed, passed away in January 2024 at a different Grifols location in the city. Both cases came under public attention only after media reports in March 2026, revealing gaps in the company’s handling of donor safety. According to a Health Canada report, some staff members failed to respond appropriately to alarm signals on donation machines, and certain donors were deemed eligible despite potential disease risks. Health Canada’s investigation into the fatalities concluded there was no direct link between the donation process and the deaths. However, the agency noted that Grifols had not fully investigated previous errors or implemented adequate corrective measures. Two letters were sent to the company earlier this month demanding immediate action on regulatory deficiencies, particularly at the Taylor Avenue site, but Grifols reportedly did not comply. Emilie Gauduchon-Campbell, a spokesperson for Health Minister Marjorie Michel, confirmed the issuance of a formal warning to Grifols after identifying multiple compliance concerns. Grifols maintains that donor safety and plasma collection integrity have never been compromised. The company pledged full cooperation with Health Canada and committed to an “open, transparent and collaborative dialogue” with the regulator. Meanwhile, advocacy groups have long argued against the practice of paying plasma donors, citing ethical and health-related concerns. One family member of a deceased donor told Global News that an autopsy indicated the woman had an enlarged heart, suggesting that the donation process placed undue strain on her body. As the situation unfolds, Health Canada continues to monitor the status of Grifols’ compliance efforts. The agency has not ruled out further actions should the company fail to meet regulatory standards. For now, the temporary closure ensures that no plasma is collected while investigations proceed. The outcome of these reviews could shape future policies regarding plasma donation practices in Canada, potentially influencing how such services are regulated moving forward.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
CA
