NBSZ Defends Blood Prices Amid Public Outcry
The National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is defending the high cost of blood amid public criticism.
As Zimbabwe prepares to mark World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is under fire over the high cost of blood, with some private institutions reportedly charging up to US$1,000 per pint.
NBSZ, however, insists it only makes a small profit, just US$5 per pint. The organisation says the standard price is capped at US$250 and that public hospitals receive blood for free because the government covers the cost.
In a statement to ZimLive, the blood service explained how the US$250 price tag comes about.
“We operate on a cost recovery basis, meaning that we recover exactly what it costs us to collect, process and distribute the blood. That entire chain is made up of activities whose cumulative cost is currently US$245; thus, we charge US$250 to cater for normal process losses,” NBSZ said.
Social activist Freeman Chari believes the cost of a pint of blood shouldn’t be anywhere near US$250.
He broke down the costs based on his understanding of blood bank operations and argued that if done efficiently, it shouldn’t exceed US$100. He pointed out that even NBSZ’s own CEO, Lucy Marowa, previously said in 2019 that the real cost was US$120. Chari also questioned why a public service would add such a steep markup, saying:
“A government for the people can subsidise that. That’s what governments do.”
Vicky Maponga, spokesperson for NBSZ, responded to the backlash by explaining that although blood is donated, the process of making it safe for use is far from free.
She said donated blood must go through screening, separation, storage and distribution — all of which must meet international health standards. These steps are what make the process costly.
Maponga also reminded the public that since 2018, the government has been paying for blood given to public hospitals. That means patients in those institutions get it for free. Only private patients pay the US$250, which goes toward sustaining the blood service.
NBSZ CEO Lucy Marowa shared positive news about blood collection. She said their campaigns have been working and they expect to collect 97,500 units of blood this year — the highest yet.
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The post NBSZ Defends Blood Prices Amid Public Outcry appeared first on iHarare News.
