Blood Donation: Why Does a Bag Cost 3,000 FCFA When Donation is Free?

Blood donation remains free and voluntary in Côte d'Ivoire. The 3,000 FCFA fee charged to patients during a transfusion covers part of the processing operations, including testing for infectious diseases, transformation into blood products (red blood cells, plasma, platelets), storage, and transport. The actual cost per bag is at least 50,000 FCFA, fully covered by the state. This contribution also funds a 2,000 FCFA transport allowance and a snack for regular donors.