United States-based Zimbabwean social activist Freeman Chari has launched a scathing critique of the National Blood Services of Zimbabwe (NBSZ), accusing the organisation of “profiteering” from citizens despite its self-proclaimed “not-for-profit” status.
Chari’s assertions, shared on X (formerly Twitter), are based on his review of NBSZ’s 2023 financial reports.
Chari claims that the NBSZ operates with an 80% gross margin, meaning that for every pint of blood currently priced at US$250, they make a gross profit of approximately US$200. He wrote:
In fact, processing blood costs them just US$50 and they charge the patient US$250. THIS IS INSANE!
According to his analysis of the 2023 reports, after accounting for administrative costs and operational expenses, NBSZ recorded a net profit/surplus of US$3.5 million, representing 32% of their gross revenue.
Chari argues this demonstrates the organisation’s capacity to reduce the price of blood by 30% while still maintaining a surplus.
The activist expressed dismay at NBSZ’s reported boast of a 272% revenue growth (inflation-adjusted) from the previous year, or 1470% in historical terms. He said:
My conclusion after reading this report, NBSZ is not there to serve people… they are there to suck the blood out of pple while lining their coffers!
Chari, who spent five years in a lab cross-matching blood, also challenged the notion that increased blood donations would lower prices.
He explained that Zimbabwe’s annual need is around 100,000 pints, a figure NBSZ is close to reaching, and excess supply would lead to expiry, given blood’s limited shelf life.
Chari pinpointed the organisation’s “wage & employee bill,” rather than direct consumables like reagents, as the primary driver of high costs.
He noted that the average employee earned US$875/month in 2023, with an additional US$400/month for staff welfare, which he deems “well paid by Zimbabwe standards.”
Chari called for the entire NBSZ board and management to resign, accusing them of having “lost their way.”
He pleaded with the NBSZ to “do the right thing,” warning that he would disclose the salaries of top executives if action is not taken.
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