Blood coupons introduced

Herald Reporter
Government has introduced a blood coupon system to help support patients unable to pay for transfusions in emergencies. Speaking at the handover ceremony of coupons worth US$25 000 from National Blood Services Zimbabwe on Tuesday, Health and Child Care Minister David Parirenyatwa said the initiative was critical because of the high number of accidents that occur during the festive season.

The coupons were handed over to the ministry for distribution to hospitals.

The blood coupons system works similarly to that for fuel coupons for vehicles.

Coupons can be redeemed for blood needed for a transfusion, meaning that hospitals will honour coupons for people who do not have money to pay for the critical service.