For a long time, there has been disgruntlement from various sections of society over the highly priced precious liquid of blood in Zimbabwe. The bone of contention over years has been around the cost of blood and blood products despite the fact that the National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) gets blood free of charge from blood donors. By Michael Gwarisa In 2018, the Ministry of Health and Child (MoHCC), then under the regime of Dr David Parirenyatwa launched the Free Blood Initiative that would see pregnant women and vulnerable…
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Health Ministry Applauded For Sustaining Free Blood Initiative
THE National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) says the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) has remained true to their word in supporting the country’s free blood initiative, a facility that facilitates free access to blood and blood products for vulnerable citizens in all public health institutions. By Michael Gwarisa The free blood initiative was launched in 2018 by the then minister of heath, Dr David Parirenyatwa where government committed to funding the initiative using funds generated from the health levy. In an Interview with HealthTimes, NBSZ Chief Executive…
Read More#JUSTIN: Blood Coupon Facility Suspension Lifted…As Gvt Pays ZW$43 Million To NBSZ
THE National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has confirmed receipt of an amount to the tune of ZW$43.5 Million from treasury from an outstanding bill of ZW$125, 710, 200 Million, a move which is likely to ease operational constraints bedeviling the blood bank. By Michael Gwarisa The NBSZ had recently written to all public health institutions advising them of a suspension of the coupons facility which would grant them access to blood and blood products on credit. However owing to financial challenges, the facility had been suspended, paving way for…
Read MoreFree Blood Initiative Hangs In Limbo…As Gvt Delays Financial Allocation
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care Permanent Secretary, Dr Agnes Mahomva has professed ignorance as to how much and when they will be disbursing their 2019 allocation towards the free blood initiative, a situation which poses a threat to the continuation of the program. By Michael Gwarisa In 2018, government committed to financing the free blood initiative through funding from the health levy which was introduced in 2017 under the then minister, Dr David Parirenyatwa’s administration. However, indications on the ground are that since beginning of the year, no…
Read MoreBlood Bank Adequately Stocked For Free Blood Initiative
THE free blood initiative being spearheaded by the ministry of health and child care in partnership with the National Blood Service of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) kicks off in a few days amidst indications that the blood bank has enough stock to sustain the program. By Michael Gwarisa Speaking in an interview with HealthTimes, NBSZ Public Affairs manager, Esther Massundah said all was is place for the free blood initiative which commences July, 1 2018 across all public hospitals while for private hospitals, the user fees remain at $120. “NBSZ is prepared for the…
Read MoreZim Prepared For Free Blood Initiative…as WHO gives nod to Program
GOVERNMENT says it is prepared to implement the free blood initiative which commences next month amidst indications that capable infrastructure and funding mechanisms have been put in place to complement the program. By Michael Gwarisa in Gweru The program which is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in collaboration with the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ) is set to benefit maternal cases and vulnerable societal groups with the aim of closing the high mortality rate as a result of loss of blood. Officiating at…
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