Blood prices go down

The changes are effective February 1.
Patients requiring blood from private institutions will pay US$100 down from US$105 while NBSZ has maintained the US$50 charge at mission hospitals.

At the beginning of last year the cost of a pint of blood was US$100 for Government and mission hospitals while it cost US$105 at private institutions.
Briefing journalists on NBSZ’s operations in Harare on Wednesday, chief executive officer Mr David Mvere said the reduction was necessitated by financial support from Government, the National Aids Council and the European Union.

He said cost reduction at public institutions was deliberate as these served larger numbers.
“The more grants we get the more chances we have to reduce the fees otherwise as an organisation we face the risk of collapse, which the nation cannot afford,” Mr Mvere said.
Mr Mvere said NBSZ met 72 percent of its annual budget through charges effected on blood and blood products.
NBSZ needs US$7 million annually for operational and laboratory costs.