Rutendo Mazhindu- ZimNow Reporter
Blood donors in Zimbabwe continue to save lives, and the government has ensured that blood is available free of charge for all patients in public hospitals.
The National Blood Service Zimbabwe said people who need blood in public health institutions do not pay for it because the government covers the cost.
“The Government of Zimbabwe has made a significant commitment to ensuring that blood is available free of charge to all patients in public hospitals,” NBSZ said in a press release.
This life-saving program began in 2018, aimed at helping vulnerable patients receive the blood they need without financial barriers.
While NBSZ does not control how blood is administered once it reaches hospitals, it works closely with healthcare workers to ensure the system is transparent and equitable.
The organisation emphasized the importance of understanding the process that follows donation. Blood is not used immediately—it undergoes several steps to ensure it is both safe and effective.
“Throughout the entire process, rigorous quality control measures are in place to ensure that every step meets the highest standards,” said NBSZ.
All blood donations are tested for infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The blood is then separated into its main components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—so that doctors can use the specific part needed for each patient.
Each component is stored under specialized conditions, often at cold temperatures, and must be used within a specific timeframe to ensure its effectiveness.
Though donors give blood for free, the processes of testing, storing, and distributing it come at a high cost. These steps require advanced equipment, trained personnel, and secure storage.
NBSZ noted that while it seeks to recover some operational costs, its main priority is to keep blood accessible to everyone who needs it.
To honour loyal donors, NBSZ introduced the Blood Components Beneficiary Policy, which offers special benefits to those who have donated at least 10 times, with their latest donation within the last 12 months.
These regular donors qualify for free blood for their biological parents, children, or spouse, should they ever need a transfusion.
“NBSZ is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that blood donors are well-catered for. Blood donors’ generosity not only saves lives but strengthens the foundation of a healthy and thriving nation,” the organisation said.
NBSZ added that it deeply values all blood donors and will continue to support them in meaningful ways.
Zim Now WriterThe European Union is set to impose sanctions on nine individuals linked to the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to two EU diplomats.The names of those a..
CongoZim Now WriterThe Mozambique LNG project has secured a significant step toward revival with a US$4.7 billion loan approved by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (U.S. EXIM). This decision f..
USARutendo Mazhindu- Zim NowBulawayo is set to come alive on Saturday, 26 April, as the Pacific Bulawayo Shutdown returns for its 9th edition, marking the grand finale of the Zimbabwe International Tra..
Zimbabwe
Leave Comments