NBSZ Defends High Blood Price Amid Criticism

Rutendo Mazhindu - ZimNow Reporter

The National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has defended the US$250 price for a pint of blood, stating that the charge reflects actual operational costs and not a profit making motive.

NBSZ spokesperson Vicky Maponga said the organisation only makes about US$5 profit per unit with US$245 covering the full chain of activities from collection to transfusion.

“We operate on a cost-recovery basis. Blood is freely donated, but making it safe and usable requires rigorous testing, component separation, proper storage, and distribution processes that must meet international standards,” she said.

Critics have questioned the pricing, arguing that screening, labour, and storage should not exceed US$90 per unit, but NBSZ maintains the cost reflects real resource demands.

Since 2018, blood has been provided free of charge to patients in public hospitals, with the government paying NBSZ directly. The US$250 charge applies only to private patients., who must pay out-of-pocket.

NBSZ CEO Lucy Marowa told ZimNow that the organisation is seeing strong blood donation numbers this year, with 73 percent of the 2025 target of 97,500 units already collected by mid-year.

Last year, NBSZ collected 77,020 units of blood 82 percent of its goal of 88,450 units.

Marowa said the upcoming World Blood Donor Day commemorations in Kadoma are expected to raise awareness and boost donations, especially among youths and community members.

“We urge Zimbabweans to continue donating blood. It’s in constant demand , it comes in and goes out every day,” she said.