Plasma clinic pauses operations in Canada amid ‘unfounded attention’

Grifols, a plasma collection company based in Spain, has decided to temporarily halt its operations in Canada due to "unfounded attention" following two deaths at its Winnipeg clinics. The company released a statement on Thursday announcing its "proactive and voluntary decision" to pause plasma donation activities at all its Canadian donation centers.

Health Canada investigated the deaths of two individuals who suffered after donating plasma in October 2025 and January, concluding that the deaths were not related to plasma donations. The company came under public scrutiny as a result, leading to the shutdown.

One of the deceased donors, Rodiyat Alabede, was 22 years old and had a pre-existing heart condition that led to his cardiac arrest. Alabede's family expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation findings and has called for Health Canada to release its records.

Grifols, which gave notice to Health Canada on Wednesday, stated that it will work with the Canadian regulator and Blood Services to develop a sustainable and robust plasma collection network in Canada. The firm has committed to an "open, transparent and collaborative dialogue" with Health Canada and reiterated its intention to resume operations "as soon as practicable."