By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Blood Transfusion Services (MBTS) has reiterated that blood in all public health institutions remains free, and patients should not be charged for it.
According to Janet Katonda, MBTS Marketing and Communications Manager, it is against the law to sell or charge patients for blood.
However, in private hospitals, patients may be asked to pay a small cost-recovery fee to cover expenses such as transportation and blood collection materials.
Health advocates are urging the public to continue donating blood to MBTS, as the collected blood saves lives.
With a high demand for blood in hospitals due to fatal road accidents and patients undergoing treatment for various conditions, the need for blood donation is critical.
As Malawi commemorates World Blood Donor Day on June 14 under the theme “Give blood, Give hope: together we save lives,” health advocates like Maziko Matemba and George Jobe are encouraging Malawians to value blood donation.
They highlight its importance for patients with conditions such as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and those undergoing chemotherapy.
The MBTS is urging the public to report any instances of blood being sold or charged for in public hospitals through Tip-Offs Anonymous, using the toll-free line 847.
