Full Breakdown
Grifols’ Canadian Plasma Centres Face Regulatory Scrutiny and a Nationwide Pause
By Drooid · · How we work
Inspection Findings at the Regina Facility
Health Canada’s February inspection report concluded that the Grifols plasma centre in Regina was “non-compliant” with federal regulations. Donors with punctures and bruising were allowed to donate without additional medical assessment, and a donor who answered “yes” to the HIV-contact question had the response changed to “no” by a physician substitute, permitting two donations. Health Canada said a “yes” answer should have resulted in an indefinite deferral, but did not clarify the donor’s final status.
Background and Context
Grifols, a Barcelona-based firm, entered Canada through a 2022 agreement with Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to collect paid plasma for immunoglobulin and other medicines. The company operates more than a dozen centres across six provinces, sourcing roughly 400,000 L of plasma in 2025, short of its 600,000 L annual target. Earlier inspections at the Winnipeg centre and other sites identified deficiencies, raising public concern after two donor deaths in Winnipeg in 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
- Grifols spokesperson – The company asserted that “at no point donor safety or the quality and safety of plasma collected at our Regina centre – or at any of our other Canadian centres – has been compromised.”
- Health Canada – A spokesperson for Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the agency will continue to work collaboratively with Grifols to address the concerns before any centre can reopen.
- Canadian Blood Services – Graham Sher, CEO of CBS, acknowledged the “quality gaps” identified by Health Canada but argued that the regulator’s decision to allow continued operation indicates no “critical defects” that would endanger patients.
- Ownership Change – Later this month Grifols acquired full ownership of its Canadian operations, moving from a 50.1 % stake to 100 % control, which the company says will enable stronger oversight of quality and compliance.
Criticism & Opposition
- Chris Watson, president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour, argued that “paid blood donations exploit vulnerable populations and weaken the blood and plasma supply. Blood products are a public resource, and voluntary donations are the safest way to collect this resource.”
- Kent Peterson, president of CUPE Saskatchewan, said the pause “will make vulnerable people safer” and questioned why the corporation was allowed to operate in the first place.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The Health Canada report does not specify whether the HIV-reactive donor who answered “yes” to the screening question is the same individual later identified in the internal audit.
- Grifols’ claim that the plasma was “rejected by a supervisor” and therefore posed “no risk” contrasts with the inspection’s finding that the plasma was not properly documented as discarded.
What’s Next
- Health Canada has indicated that the pause will remain in effect until the agency is satisfied that Grifols has addressed all compliance issues.
- Grifols plans to use the closure period to retrain staff, update screening procedures, and implement new oversight mechanisms under its full-ownership structure.
- CBS has not announced a timeline for resuming paid plasma collection, but continues to rely on volunteer donations for its blood supply while monitoring the situation.