NBSZ now charging in US$, suspends coupons

THE National Blood Service Zimbabwe (NBSZ) has suspended the blood coupon system for all hospitals and resolved to exclusively charge in United States (US) dollars for its services owing to the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

This comes as the Zimbabwe dollar continues to lose value against major currencies, prompting businesses to prefer charging in the US dollar than the local currency.

In a statement, NBSZ indicated that it had taken a position to stop accepting blood coupons from government health institutions with effect from July 7, adding that all hospitals were now required to pay for products and services in advance until further notice.

“The cost of critical raw materials and consumables required for collection and processing of blood components has continued to escalate as a result of the current inflationary environment.

“In order to maintain the quality of our products and adequacy, it has become necessary to suspend the blood coupons facility until payment modalities have been agreed upon between the NBSZ and Ministry of Health and Child Care,” read the statement.