The value of blood: the Kantha Bopha hospital blood bank

Blood is a vital resource for saving lives, and the ability to perform safe transfusions can make the difference between life and death for many patients. Thanks to Dr. Bunthong, who allowed us to visit the Kantha Bopha Hospital Blood Bank and facilitated communication with the vice head of the blood bank, Mr. Wathankapiseychoupoan, by translating between Khmer and English, we had the opportunity to better understand how blood donations and distribution work in Cambodia.

In 2024, the Kantha Bopha Hospital in Siem Reap carried out 17,109 transfusions. The main reasons for blood transfusions include severe hemorrhages, severe dengue, anemia, heart surgeries, and postpartum complications.

14,065 blood donors and 28,737 transfusions occurred in Phnom Penh (Kantha Bopha) and Siem Reap (Jayavarman VII).

To make sure there is always safe blood available for transfusions, the hospital runs its own blood bank. This reduces the need for external supplies and helps ensure that every child gets the treatment they need on time.

There are three main blood banks in Siem Reap province. The Kantha Bopha Hospital Blood Bank primarily collects and distributes blood for its patients, who come from all over the country, including remote areas, as the hospital is a specialized center that treats the most critical cases. Additionally, it collaborates with the Phnom Penh branch to share resources when needed.

Where Does the Blood Come From?

The hospital’s blood supply comes from three main types of donations:

1. Voluntary donations

2. Replacement donations, where a family member or friend donates to replace the blood used for a patient

3. Tourist donations

However, finding donors is not always easy. In Cambodia, there is a widespread belief that donating blood can weaken a person’s health. Fortunately, in recent years, this mindset has been changing, and more people are beginning to recognize the importance of blood donation.

Ensuring Safe Transfusions

To guarantee the safety of transfusions, every donation is tested for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, and malaria before being used. Additionally, the blood bank manager emphasizes that donors' honesty regarding past infections and the number of sexual partners is crucial in reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Managing Blood Supply and Demand

Balancing blood collection and usage is not always easy. During the dengue fever season for example, blood supplies deplete more quickly. Similarly, certain complex surgical procedures can cause severe hemorrhages and require a large number of transfusions. For instance, cesarean sections for patients with placenta accreta, a serious obstetric complication in which the placenta grows too deeply into the uterus, can require up to 30 bags of blood for a single patient. To put this into perspective, the hospital receives around 30 blood donations per day.

What Happens When Blood Supplies Run Low?

When blood stocks are insufficient, the hospital implements various strategies to address the shortage. It seeks support from its staff and patients' families, with a particular focuson husbands of maternity patients. Additionally, it can request extra supplies from Kantha Bopha’s Phnom Penh branch or reach out to volunteers registered in Telegram groups, allowing for quick mobilization of donors in emergencies.

A Small Act with a Big Impact

Donating blood is a simple but essential act for many children and mothers treated at Kantha Bopha. In Cambodia, where access to safe blood is not always guaranteed, every donor makes a difference. That is why Anett and I also chose to donate, joining those who contribute every day to keeping this vital resource available.

With best regards from Siem Reap

Laura