Health Department Bans 'Replacement Blood' Requests in Hospitals

The Department of Health has issued a warning to health facilities regarding blood donation practices. On June 19, 2026, the DOH reminded hospitals not to ask patients for 'replacement blood'. This follows concerns over delays in treatment caused by such requests. The National Blood Services Act of 1994 governs blood supply in the country. It states that blood must be provided based on patient need, not on finding 'replacement donors'. The law also promotes voluntary, unpaid donations to maintain a safe and sufficient supply for all.

Hospitals typically use blood from their own stock during emergencies or procedures. Some facilities, however, ask a patient’s family or friends to donate blood to replace what the patient has used. The DOH has warned that relying on this practice can lead to dangerous delays in care. The warning aims to prevent treatment interruptions for patients in need. Hospitals are expected to rely on their existing blood inventories and voluntary donations. The law prohibits the use of 'replacement donors' to ensure timely and fair access to blood supplies.