The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Bali is currently experiencing a critical shortage of blood type A. The PMI Blood Bank in Denpasar has only 17 bags of type A blood remaining.
Chanda Indriasari, head of blood donation quality control for PMI Bali, stated:
“We only have 17 bags of type A blood left. We’ve deployed 4-5 mobile blood donation units to increase blood supplies.”
Meanwhile, supplies of other blood types stored at the PMI in Bali remain at safe levels:
• Type B: 283 bags
• Type O: 368 bags
• Type AB: 26 bags
For example, in November 2024, just five hospitals in Denpasar and Badung used the following amounts of blood:
• Type O: 1,304 bags
• Type A: 812 bags
• Type B: 980 bags
• Type AB: 235 bags
And this was only in one month! Blood donation in Bali is a constant need, and for some patients, it could literally be life-saving.
In Indonesia, blood transfusions require that the donor’s blood type matches the recipient’s blood type exactly.
Mobile Blood Donation Units: Convenient for Everyone
To make blood donation more accessible and encourage participation, mobile blood donation units are deployed across the island. Each team includes a doctor, a nurse, and a technician to check donors’ hemoglobin levels and blood type.
The Indonesian Red Cross in Bali also maintains a mobile donation station at the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Renon, Denpasar. For those who prefer visiting a permanent center, the PMI Blood Transfusion Building at Jalan Trengguli I, No. 27 in Denpasar, is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM to accept donations. The center operates 24/7 to process emergency blood requests for patients in need.
Additionally, the mobile blood donation units travel to various areas of the island daily, making the process even more convenient for tourists. There’s no need to go all the way to Denpasar; simply check the location schedule for your area on the Red Cross website. The schedule is updated every 10 days.
For instance:
• On October 11, a mobile unit collected blood in Kuta and Sanur.
• On October 12, they were in Nusa Dua.
• On October 13, they returned to Kuta.
• On October 15, they were in Denpasar.
The schedule can be easily accessed online.
Blood Donation Requirements
To be eligible to donate blood in Bali, donors must meet the following criteria:
1. Be in good general health.
2. Be at least 17 years old (maximum age depends on the donor’s physical condition, as determined by a doctor).
3. Have had at least 6 hours of sleep the night before donation.
4. No history of heart, kidney, or lung diseases.
5. Avoid medications for 24 hours prior to donation.
6. Avoid blood-thinning medications for 3 days before donation.
7. No alcohol consumption prior to donating.
8. No fever within two weeks before donation.
9. Avoid consuming high-fat foods or drinks before donating to ensure clean, transparent blood.
10. Weigh at least 45 kg.
11. Blood pressure must be within the range of 100-180 (systolic) and 60-100 (diastolic).
12. Hemoglobin levels must be above 12.5.
Blood donation in Bali is an act of kindness that can save lives. If you meet the criteria and have the opportunity, your contribution could make all the difference.
When You Cannot Donate Blood as a Donor
• Pregnancy and within 6 months after childbirth.
• Breastfeeding.
• Drug addiction.
• Acute and chronic alcoholism.
• Syphilis.
• Clinical tuberculosis.
• Epilepsy or frequent seizures.
• Skin disease or any condition affecting the vein to be punctured.
• Bleeding disorders or blood diseases like thalassemia.
• A history of hepatitis B, or within 6 months after close contact with someone with hepatitis.
• Within 6 months after a blood transfusion.
• Within 6 months after getting a tattoo or ear piercing.
• Within 72 hours after dental surgery.
• Within 6 months after minor surgery.
• Within 1 year after the last rabies therapeutic vaccine injection.
Donors can give blood with a 2-month interval between donations. Men are allowed to donate blood a maximum of 6 times per year, while women can donate up to 4 times per year.
The Indonesian Red Cross Blood Donation Center is located near Sanglah General Hospital (Prof. dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah General Hospital), just a short walk from the hospital’s parking lot.
The blood donation process is straightforward, including filling out a form, a quick blood check, and completing the donation. The hospital provides a clean and comfortable environment.
• Contact numbers: +62 361 958 3005; +62 823 4187 3101
Blood donation is painless and completely safe for your health. The procedure uses sterile, single-use instruments. By taking just an hour or two of your holiday to donate blood, you could save someone’s life.
Blood Donation Centers in Bali’s Regions
1. PMI Blood Donation Unit, Tabanan District (Central Bali)
• Phone: +62 361 830 396
• Hours: Open 24/7
2. PMI Blood Donation Unit, Klungkung District (Southeast Bali, Klungkung Province)
• Phone: +62 366 211 72
• Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3. PMI Blood Donation Unit, Jembrana District (West Bali, near cocoa plantations and snorkeling spots)
• Phone: +62 817 1717 5164
• Hours: Open 24/7
4. PMI Blood Donation Unit, Buleleng District (North Bali, Singaraja or Buleleng area)
• Phone: +62 362 23175
• Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Benefits of Regular Blood Donation
When you donate blood regularly, your blood cells regenerate more quickly, keeping your body healthier with fresher, newer cells. Sharing your blood is an act of sharing love and kindness with the world.
By donating blood, you not only contribute to saving lives but also support your own well-being. Let your love and generosity flow through the simple, life-changing act of donating blood.
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