REVIEW OF MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR BLOOD DONATION

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3317

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 08 JANUARY 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Xie Yao Quan

MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 7016

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider raising the maximum age to become a blood donor from 60 years old currently to 65 years old; and (b) if not, why not.

Written Answer

There is a maximum age for first-time blood donors because elderly individuals have a higher incidence of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, which puts them at increased risk of adverse reactions, such as dizziness and fainting spells, after donation.

The Health Sciences Authority regularly reviews donor eligibility criteria to determine if the upper age limit of first-time donors could be safely increased to broaden the donor pool whilst ensuring donor safety. We will take the Member’s suggestion into account in the next review.