NBSZ launches staunch defence of blood prices after outcry

The National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has strongly defended its pricing structure amid growing public outrage over the high cost of blood in some private healthcare institutions, where patients have reportedly been charged up to US$1,000 per pint.

As Zimbabwe prepares to commemorate World Blood Donor Day on June 14, social media has been abuzz with concerns about blood pricing, sparking debates on affordability, efficiency, and transparency within the country's blood banking system.

In a statement responding to the criticism, NBSZ said it operates on a cost-recovery basis, insisting that its official price per pint is capped at US$250 - of which it makes just US$5 in profit.

"We recover exactly what it costs us to collect, process and distribute the blood. That entire chain of activities adds up to US$245. We charge US$250 to cater for process losses," NBSZ told ZimLive.

The organisation also clarified that blood is provided free of charge in all public hospitals, as the government fully subsidises the cost. Private patients, however, are required to pay the full amount out-of-pocket.

While NBSZ maintains that its pricing is necessary to ensure quality and sustainability, critics remain unconvinced.

Prominent social activist Freeman Chari argued that a pint of blood should not cost more than US$100. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Chari said, "The most expensive component is the pack, which costs around $40-$50 in bulk. Screening and separation is under $20, and even with labour and storage, the total cost shouldn't exceed $90."

He further criticised the NBSZ for what he described as an unjustified markup: "In 2019, CEO Lucy Marowa said the cost was $120. Why the 100 percent markup for a national service? Zimbabwe only needs 100,000 units per year. That's $10 million. A government for the people can subsidise that."

Responding to such concerns, NBSZ spokesperson Vicky Maponga emphasized that although blood is donated freely, processing it involves a complex and costly system to meet international safety standards.

"Blood goes through rigorous testing, component separation, and controlled storage before it can be distributed for transfusion. The entire ‘vein to vein' chain is resource-intensive," she said.

NBSZ CEO Lucy Marowa also addressed reporters on Monday, highlighting the organisation's recent success in boosting blood collections through public awareness campaigns.

"This year, we are targeting to collect 97,500 units of blood. We have already reached 73 percent of that target in just the first half of the year," she said.

In 2024, NBSZ aimed to collect 88,450 units, managing 82 percent of the goal with 77,020 units gathered.

As part of this year's World Blood Donor Day commemorations, NBSZ will host events in Kadoma to encourage more Zimbabweans, especially school-going youth, to become regular blood donors.

"We are still calling upon Zimbabweans to give blood because it comes in and goes out daily. The demand is constant," Marowa added.

The debate over blood pricing continues to raise questions about equity in healthcare and the role of the state in funding life-saving services, even as the country celebrates the selfless contributions of its blood donors.