Blog & News Why Blood Availability and Safety Matter in Bali
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Why Blood Availability and Safety Matter in Bali

4 min read . 22 Aug 2025
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Health & Wellness

Having access to safe, reliable blood supplies is an essential part of any modern healthcare system. In a global destination like Bali, where the population includes residents, tourists, and expatriates, the need for timely blood transfusions can arise at any moment.


This may be due to emergencies such as accidents, surgeries, childbirth complications, or chronic health conditions. Knowing that high-quality blood transfusion services are available offers peace of mind to both locals and visitors.


At Bali International Hospital, along with other leading healthcare providers on the island, ensuring blood safety and availability is a top priority for every patient who may require it.


Current Blood Availability in Bali


Bali has a growing culture of blood donation, supported by the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia, or PMI), which organizes most of the island’s blood collection efforts. Mobile blood drives are regularly held at hotels, universities, community centers, and public events, especially in key locations such as:


  • Denpasar
  • Ubud
  • Kuta


All donated blood is processed and tested centrally at Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar, Bali’s main regional hospital. From there, it is distributed to hospitals across the island based on demand.


Community involvement plays a big role. Locals, long-term expatriates, and even short-term visitors often participate in donation drives.


However, maintaining stocks of certain rare blood types, like O negative or O-, remains a challenge. Since these types are more common among Western populations, foreign residents and visitors are encouraged to donate when they meet eligibility criteria.


Safety of Blood Donation and Transfusions


Blood safety in Bali follows Indonesia’s national standards, with oversight from the Ministry of Health. All donated blood undergoes rigorous testing for infectious diseases, including:


  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Syphilis


Before donating, each person must meet strict eligibility requirements:


  • Age between 17 and 60 years
  • Minimum body weight of 45 kg
  • No tattoos or piercings in the past six months
  • No current infections or immune-compromising illnesses


Hospitals providing transfusions must also follow strict quality control measures. These include:


  • Staff training and certification
  • Temperature-controlled storage and regular monitoring
  • Accurate and detailed patient record keeping


Our international hospital partners only work with certified blood banks and ensure every transfusion is handled with professional care and safety monitoring.


Key Trends and Challenges in Bali’s Blood Services


Positive developments in recent years include:


  • Private sector involvement: Hotels, NGOs, and schools frequently host donation drives.
  • Tourist engagement: Special campaigns target visitors with rare blood types to support local needs.
  • Technology adoption: Digital systems now help hospitals track blood availability and requests in real time.


Ongoing challenges include:


  • Rural access: Blood services in remote areas are more limited compared to Denpasar and southern Bali.
  • Seasonal shortages: Donation levels may drop during holidays, festivals, or in the aftermath of natural disasters.
  • Rare blood types: AB negative and O negative remain difficult to source, especially during emergencies.


What Patients and Visitors Should Know


If you are visiting or living in Bali and require medical care, you can be assured that blood transfusion services are safe and accessible in major hospitals. Our hospital is fully equipped to provide transfusions when necessary and works closely with certified blood banks to ensure quality and safety.


For surgeries or treatments involving blood, the hospital coordinates directly with Sanglah Hospital and other approved providers.


Here are some tips to keep in mind:


  • Plan ahead: If you have a rare blood type or a condition that may require transfusions, speak with your doctor in advance to check availability.
  • Consider donating: If you are eligible, donating blood during your stay can directly help the local community.
  • Know the central hub: Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar is the main blood collection and processing center in Bali.


Donation drives are common in Ubud, Sanur, and Seminyak, making it easy for both residents and visitors to contribute.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is the safest type of blood transfusion?


The safest blood transfusion is one that is matched precisely to the patient’s blood type and sourced from a screened, approved donor. Hospitals in Bali follow strict protocols to ensure safety during every transfusion.


How safe are blood transfusions today?


Blood transfusions today are very safe when handled in certified medical facilities. In Bali, all donated blood is tested for major infections, and only healthy donors are accepted.


What is the 4-hour rule for blood transfusions?


Once a blood unit is removed from refrigeration, it must be used within four hours. After that time, the risk of bacterial growth increases, so the unit must be discarded if unused.

Hospitals follow this rule strictly.


Is it safe to take blood from a blood bank?


Yes, as long as the blood bank is certified and regulated, like those in Denpasar under PMI’s management. Hospitals like ours only use approved sources that meet Indonesia’s national standards for blood safety.


How We Support Safe Blood Use


At Bali International Hospital, patient safety always comes first. The hospital:


  • Coordinates with licensed blood banks for a secure supply
  • Works closely with PMI and Sanglah Hospital for screened, safe blood
  • Adheres to all Ministry of Health standards for handling and transfusion
  • Monitors patients before, during, and after transfusion
  • Plans in advance for patients with rare blood needs


If you are preparing for surgery or managing a chronic condition that may require blood, speak to your doctor about transfusion procedures. The hospital can also provide information on donation opportunities if you meet eligibility criteria.


Supporting Safe Care for All in Bali


Bali’s healthcare system continues to improve its access to safe blood through organized donation programs, professional oversight, and public education. Hospitals like our international hospital play an important role in ensuring that every patient, whether local, expatriate, or tourist, has access to the safest possible care.


Donating blood is one of the most direct ways to help save lives and strengthen emergency care services on the island. If you are healthy and eligible, your contribution could make a critical difference for someone in need.


Your donation today can be someone’s lifeline tomorrow. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our hospital’s care team.