Zimbabwe faces a severe blood shortage, with all public hospitals running dry. National blood stocks sit below a day's supply at just 300 units instead of the needed 1,600 units daily. Doctors say this shortage puts patients' lives at risk. The government hasn't paid National Blood Services Zimbabwe for supplies to public hospitals, crippling the organization's operations.
Patients who can afford it must pay $250 per pint directly to NBSZ. Health Ministry official Dr. Aspect Maunganidze confirmed the crisis and called the current price unaffordable for most people. Medical staff report turning away patients needing transfusions and canceling operations. The situation hits hardest for people with anemia, cancer, pregnancy complications, and accident victims.
NBSZ head Lucy Marowa says they lack the resources to collect more blood. The organization struggles to pay staff, buy fuel, or provide refreshments for donors. They can't afford basic supplies like paper or reagents needed for testing. Production costs for blood should be around $60 per pint, but currency issues and import costs for medical supplies drive the price much higher.
Patients who can afford it must pay $250 per pint directly to NBSZ. Health Ministry official Dr. Aspect Maunganidze confirmed the crisis and called the current price unaffordable for most people. Medical staff report turning away patients needing transfusions and canceling operations. The situation hits hardest for people with anemia, cancer, pregnancy complications, and accident victims.
NBSZ head Lucy Marowa says they lack the resources to collect more blood. The organization struggles to pay staff, buy fuel, or provide refreshments for donors. They can't afford basic supplies like paper or reagents needed for testing. Production costs for blood should be around $60 per pint, but currency issues and import costs for medical supplies drive the price much higher.
