Authorities in Zimbabwe have launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of blood from Masvingo Provincial Hospital, the largest referral hospital in the province. A team of auditors has been deployed to conduct a five-day audit to determine how the blood units went missing from the hospital’s laboratory.
Two hospital employees, a laboratory scientist and a technician, have been arrested on suspicion of stealing three units of blood from the hospital’s refrigerator. Reports indicate that the duo also took empty blood tubes, raising serious concerns about the security of blood supplies in public hospitals. The stolen blood was reportedly meant for critical patients, including accident victims and individuals undergoing surgery.
Hospital staff have expressed shock and concern over the disappearance, with one worker calling it a significant security breach. The accused employees have denied their involvement, claiming in court that they were not the only ones with access to the blood storage facilities. This has led authorities to expand their investigation to determine if others were involved.
A senior hospital official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the incident has prompted an internal security review. While there have been concerns that the stolen blood may have been intended for the black market or for ritual purposes, no evidence supporting these claims has been found so far.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has yet to comment publicly on the matter, but pressure is mounting for improved security measures to prevent future incidents. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation, with both police and hospital administrators working to uncover how the theft occurred and whether further arrests will be made.