Staff Reporter
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, free blood transfusions for all patients in public hospitals, underscoring the critical role of donor generosity and robust Government support in sustaining this vital healthcare lifeline.
In a press release issued yesterday, the non-profit organisation detailed the intricate processes behind blood collection and distribution, while highlighting Zimbabwe’s pioneering policy of offering blood “free of charge” to vulnerable groups in state health institutions since 2018.
“Blood itself is donated freely by selfless individuals, but transforming it into a lifesaving product involves significant operational costs,” the NBSZ stated.
These costs, the organisation explained, stem from rigorous testing for infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, advanced blood component separation, specialised storage, and adherence to global safety protocols.
Each donation undergoes meticulous screening and processing to meet World Health Organization standards, ensuring recipients are protected from pathogens—microscopic agents that can cause diseases.
Government’s decision to fully subsidise blood costs for public hospitals has been hailed as a “significant commitment” to equitable healthcare.
“No patient pays for blood in public hospitals because the blood is paid for by the Government of Zimbabwe. While NBSZ does not control how blood is allocated post-delivery, we remain dedicated to collaborating with providers to enhance transparency and efficiency,” the release noted.
Meanwhile, the NBSZ thanked blood donors, whose contributions “not only save lives but strengthen the foundation of a healthy nation”.
In a move to honour loyal donors, the NBSZ also unveiled its Blood Components Beneficiary Policy, granting those who have donated at least 10 times within a year free blood access for immediate family members.
“Donors who selflessly give blood 10 times or more, with their last donation within 12 months, are entitled to free blood for their biological parents, children, or spouse,” the organisation announced, framing the policy as a “meaningful” gesture of gratitude.
Despite these measures, the NBSZ urged donors facing difficulties to contact its communications team directly.
As the NBSZ navigates the complexities of maintaining a safe blood supply, its message rings clear: every donation is a thread in the fabric of national resilience, woven by ordinary citizens and sustained by unwavering institutional collaboration.
