Freeman Chari Accuses Zimbabwe Blood Service of Profiteering

U.S.-based Zimbabwean social activist Freeman Chari has sharply criticized the National Blood Services Zimbabwe (NBSZ), accusing the organization of exploiting citizens under the guise of being a non-profit.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Chari broke down NBSZ’s 2023 financial statements, arguing that the organization’s pricing model contradicts its claimed charitable mission.

According to Chari, NBSZ is operating with a gross margin of roughly 80%. He alleged that it only costs about US$50 to process a unit of blood, yet the organization charges US$250 per pint—leaving an estimated US$200 in gross profit per unit. “This is outrageous!” he wrote.

Chari’s analysis of the financials suggests that after subtracting operational and administrative expenses, NBSZ still recorded a US$3.5 million net surplus—equivalent to 32% of its total revenue. Based on this, he argues that the organization could reduce its blood pricing by at least 30% and still operate in the black.

He was particularly critical of the organization’s celebration of a 272% inflation-adjusted revenue increase from the prior year—1,470% in nominal terms—calling it a sign that NBSZ is prioritizing financial gain over public health.

“My takeaway from reading this report is simple—NBSZ is no longer about saving lives. It’s about cashing in,” he said.

Chari, who has professional experience in laboratory blood matching, also pushed back against the idea that more blood donations would reduce the price of blood. He explained that Zimbabwe’s annual requirement of 100,000 pints is nearly being met, and surplus stock risks going to waste due to blood’s limited shelf life.

He also criticized what he described as inflated staffing costs, identifying salaries and employee benefits—not lab supplies like reagents—as the main contributors to high expenses. In 2023, he said, the average NBSZ staffer earned US$875 per month, with an additional US$400 in monthly welfare perks—compensation he called generous by Zimbabwean standards.

Chari did not mince words in his demand for change, calling for the immediate resignation of the entire NBSZ leadership. “They’ve lost sight of their mission,” he declared.

He warned that if no corrective action is taken, he will begin publishing the pay details of NBSZ’s top executives. “Do the right thing,” he urged.

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