Blood donors: a cross-party parliamentary group is formed
A cross-party body promoted by Senator Sandro Sisler. In addition to the president, the following members of the Intergroup took part in the presentation of the initiative: Senator Elena Murelli and MP Luca Pastorino, vice-presidents; the national president of AVIS, Oscar Bianchi; and Professor Luciana Teofili, director-general of the National Blood Centre.
Key points
To strengthen dialogue between institutions, organisations and citizens on issues relating to blood and plasma donation, to promote national self-sufficiency and to support the Italian blood transfusion system. With these objectives in mind, on Tuesday 9 June, the Parliamentary Intergroup of Blood Donors, a cross-party body promoted by Senator Sandro Sisler, was presented in the Conference Hall of Palazzo Carpegna at the Senate. In addition to the chair, the initiative was attended by members of the Intergroup: Senator Elena Murelli and MP Luca Pastorino, vice-chairs; the national president of AVIS, Oscar Bianchi; and Professor Luciana Teofili, director-general of the National Blood Centre.
La Russa: ‘Donation in itself is synonymous with altruism’
The conference was opened by the President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa: “As well as providing practical help to those whose lives depend on the availability of blood,” he said, “donation in itself is synonymous with altruism. Even simply being willing to donate helps to create a better world.”
Sisler: ‘A project that demonstrates the institutions’ commitment to this issue’
In his speech, the chair of the Sandro Sisler Intergroup highlighted the importance of institutionalising blood donation: ‘Today, by establishing the Parliamentary Intergroup of Blood Donors, we are presenting a project that demonstrates the attention and sensitivity that institutions are showing towards a strategic issue for public health. Regardless of one’s political orientation. The Intergroup stems from a desire to develop and strengthen parliamentary debate and initiative by involving both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.”
The AVIS partnership
The priorities identified by the Intergroup include technological innovation to bring the system closer to the public, engaging the younger generation, and promoting the values of legality and transparency. “Donating blood free of charge is not only an ethical principle, but also a guarantee of fairness and the protection of the public good,” said Sisler. The Intergroup will also closely monitor developments in European legislation and will draw on the expertise of AVIS as its technical and scientific secretariat.
Bianchi (ASVIS): a sign for the Italian blood transfusion system
The president of AVIS Nazionale, Oscar Bianchi, said that ‘the establishment of the Parliamentary Intergroup of Blood Donors is an important milestone for the entire blood donation community and for the Italian blood transfusion system. I would like to thank the president, Sandro Sisler, the vice-presidents, Elena Murelli and Luca Pastorino, the secretary, Gaetano Nastri, and all the MPs who have chosen to commit themselves to an issue concerning public health, solidarity and the country’s security. For AVIS, which will celebrate its centenary in 2027, this represents recognition of the civic and health value of voluntary, free, anonymous, regular and unpaid donation, a model that we wish to continue to defend and strengthen’.
