BEIJING - China's Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday said it will crack down on the illegal sale of blood donation certificates.

The ministry is looking into media reports that blood donation certificates can be purchased in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou for 3,000 yuan ($480), according to MOH spokesman Deng Haihua, who spoke at a press conference.

Blood donor certificates are given free of charge to blood donors and entitle them to at least an equivalent amount of blood if they or an immediate family member needs a transfusion.

Deng said the police are investigating the trade in blood donor certificates, which is illegal.

He said the ministry will improve the process of collecting blood to eliminate loopholes that help lawbreakers. He also said the ministry and relevant departments will crack down on illegal blood collection and supply, and the underground trade in blood.

He urged the public to volunteer to donate blood to meet rising demand and to increase the amount of blood to which they and their family are entitled.