Every two seconds, someone needs blood. In Nepal, maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical for hospitals, emergency surgeries, maternal health, and trauma care. This comprehensive guide lists all major blood banks in Nepal, explains the blood donation process, and provides emergency contacts for urgent blood needs across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and beyond.
🚨 Emergency Blood Contacts
Nepal Red Cross Blood Bank: 01-4290125
TU Teaching Hospital Blood Bank: 01-4412404
Bir Hospital: 01-4221119
National Ambulance: 102
Blood Banks in Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley has the largest concentration of blood banks in Nepal, serving the capital's population and handling referrals from across the country:
| Blood Bank / Center | Location | Phone | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRCS Central Blood Transfusion | Kathmandu (Bhrikutimandap) | 01-4290125 | All blood groups, component separation |
| Bhaktapur Blood Bank | Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital | 01-6611538 | Whole blood, plasma |
| Patan Hospital Blood Bank | Patan, Lalitpur | 01-5522295 | Emergency blood, maternity |
| TU Teaching Hospital Blood Bank | Maharajgunj, Kathmandu | 01-4412404 | All types, rare blood groups |
| Bir Hospital Blood Bank | Kanti Path, Kathmandu | 01-4221119 | Emergency, trauma blood supply |
| Grande Hospital Blood Bank | Dhapasi, Kathmandu | 01-5159266 | Private blood bank |
| Army Hospital Blood Bank | Bhadrakali, Kathmandu | 01-4261945 | Military & civilian (emergency) |
| Civil Service Hospital | Minbhawan, Kathmandu | 01-4107000 | Whole blood supply |
Blood Banks in Pokhara & Western Nepal
Pokhara serves as the blood banking hub for the Gandaki Province and surrounding regions:
- Pokhara Regional Blood Transfusion Centre: 061-520800 — The main blood bank serving Western Nepal.
- Manipal Teaching Hospital Pokhara: 061-526416 — Hospital-based blood bank with component therapy.
- Gandaki Provincial Hospital: 061-520800 — Government blood bank for provincial needs.
- Charak Memorial Hospital: 061-440415 — Private hospital blood storage.
Blood Banks in Biratnagar & Eastern Nepal
The eastern region has established blood banking facilities to serve Province No. 1:
- Biratnagar Regional Blood Transfusion Centre: 021-524600 — Primary blood bank for Eastern Nepal.
- B.P. Koirala Institute (Dharan): 025-525555 — Major teaching hospital blood bank.
- Koshi Hospital Blood Bank: 021-520800 — Government hospital blood supply.
- Nobel Medical College: 051-524988 — Private hospital blood bank in Birgunj.
Blood Banks in Other Major Cities
| City | Blood Bank / Hospital | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Butwal | Lumbini Provincial Hospital | 071-540200 |
| Nepalgunj | Bheri Hospital / NRCS | 081-520800 |
| Dhangadhi | Seti Provincial Hospital | 091-520800 |
| Hetauda | Hetauda Hospital | 057-520800 |
| Janakpur | Janakpur Provincial Hospital | 041-520800 |
Blood Donation Process in Nepal
Donating blood in Nepal is a simple, safe process that takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Here's what to expect:
- Registration: Provide your name, address, contact number, and blood group if known. Carry a valid photo ID.
- Medical Screening: A doctor or nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin level.
- Health Questionnaire: You'll answer questions about your medical history, recent travel, medications, and lifestyle.
- Blood Collection: A trained technician draws approximately 350-450 ml of blood using sterile, single-use equipment.
- Rest & Refreshment: Rest for 10-15 minutes and enjoy refreshments provided by the blood bank.
- Donation Card: Receive a donor card with your blood group and next eligible donation date.
✅ Blood Donation Eligibility in Nepal
You CAN donate if you:
- Are between 18 and 60 years old
- Weigh at least 45 kg
- Have hemoglobin ≥ 12.5 g/dL
- Are in good general health
- Have not donated in the last 3 months
You CANNOT donate if you:
- Have HIV, Hepatitis B/C, or other blood-borne infections
- Had major surgery in the last 6 months
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure (uncontrolled)
- Had a tattoo or piercing in the last 6 months
Emergency Blood Needs: What to Do
When facing an urgent blood need in Nepal, follow this protocol:
- Contact the nearest hospital blood bank immediately — Don't wait. Call Bir Hospital or TU Teaching Hospital if in Kathmandu.
- Know the required blood group — O-negative is the universal donor but is extremely rare. Know the patient's exact blood type.
- Arrange replacement donors — Many hospitals require family members to donate blood to replenish the supply.
- Use social media networks — Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities like "Blood Donors Nepal" can connect you with volunteers quickly.
- Contact Nepal Red Cross — They maintain donor databases and can mobilize donors for emergencies.
Blood Groups in Nepal: What You Should Know
The distribution of blood groups in Nepal roughly follows global patterns, with some important considerations:
- O Positive: The most common blood group (approximately 35-40% of the population).
- B Positive: Second most common (approximately 25-30%).
- A Positive: Third most common (approximately 20-25%).
- AB Positive: Rare (approximately 5-8%).
- Negative Blood Types: Extremely rare in Nepal (< 1%). Rh-negative donors are critically important.
Find Blood Banks Near You
Search our complete directory of hospitals, blood banks, and emergency medical services across Nepal
Search Services →Frequently Asked Questions About Blood Banks in Nepal
Where can I donate blood in Kathmandu?
You can donate blood at the Nepal Red Cross Society Central Blood Transfusion Service (01-4290125), Bhaktapur Blood Bank (01-6611538), Patan Hospital Blood Bank (01-5522295), and TU Teaching Hospital Blood Bank (01-4412404). Many hospitals also organize mobile blood donation camps regularly.
Who can donate blood in Nepal?
Eligible blood donors in Nepal must be between 18-60 years old, weigh at least 45 kg, have a hemoglobin level of 12.5 g/dL or above, and be in good general health. Donors should not have donated blood in the last 3 months. People with certain infections, chronic diseases, or recent surgeries may be deferred.
Is blood donation free in Nepal?
Blood donation is completely free for donors. However, hospitals may charge patients a processing fee (typically Rs. 500-1,500 per unit) to cover screening, storage, and handling costs. Emergency blood for critical patients is often provided at minimal or no cost at government hospitals.
How do I get emergency blood in Nepal?
For emergency blood, contact the Nepal Red Cross Blood Bank at 01-4290125, visit the nearest major hospital blood bank, or use social media blood donor networks. Many hospitals maintain replacement donor lists. In critical emergencies, government hospitals like Bir Hospital provide blood with minimal formalities.
What is the most common blood group in Nepal?
The most common blood group in Nepal is O positive, followed by B positive and A positive. AB positive is the rarest. Rh-negative blood types are extremely rare in the Nepali population, making them particularly valuable for donation and often difficult to find during emergencies.