OCT.

18, 2013

NR # 3260B

Blood type identification in all government issued documents proposed

A lawmaker has filed a bill requiring all government agencies to bear the blood type of the owner on all government issued documents to allow immediate action or transfusion response during medical emergencies and in times of disaster. Rep. Susan Yap (2nd District, Tarlac) said generally, Filipinos have low awareness of their own blood type, adding that this simple knowledge spells life or death in unlikely situations and events such as accidents, disasters or calamities. Accidents and other medical emergency situations happen to everyone which results in excessive blood loss, immediate matching of the correct blood type may be transfused in order to save the life of the victim. Knowledge of ones blood type is important for both the recipient and the donor for the immediate transfusion of the appropriate blood, Yap said. In filing House Bill 403, Yap cited the policy of the State to promote awareness about the importance of blood type which is to be found in all government-issued identification cards and facilitate an immediate transfusion response during medical emergencies. The measure to be known as the Blood Type Identification Act of 2013, covers government-issued identification documents such as certificate of live birth, community tax certificate issued by the Local Treasurers Office, drivers licenses, professional licenses issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), firearms licenses, Social Security System (SSS) cards, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) cards and passports. Yap said identification cards, certificates and licenses are the primary sources of the blood type and other information needed by rescuers and health care providers, so that necessary attention can be immediately provided. It is imperative that the holder must indicate only accurate information to avoid further harm, Yap stressed. Yap said the blood supply system requires a high degree of scientific accuracy, training and integrity. Blood products must be pure as there is little room for error and blood typing underscores this need for accuracy, she added. Any person who, in his own volition, bears false information regarding his or her blood on his or her license of other government identification cards shall be penalized with a fine of P5,000. Also, if the violator is a government employee, in addition to the stipulated fine, he or she shall be dismissed from government service. (30) lvc