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Tzu Chi Hospital Inaugurates Thalassemia Transfusion Unit: Enhancing Comprehensive Care for Thalassemia Patients
Written By
Admin • 29 September 2025
Jakarta, September 24, 2025 – Tzu Chi Hospital Pantai Indah Kapuk proudly inaugurated the Thalassemia Transfusion Unit as part of the “Thalassemia Center,” a facility designed to support holistic care for patients with thalassemia. The establishment of this unit completes the existing services at Tzu Chi Hospital’s Thalassemia Center, making care more comprehensive and integrated.
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin production, leading to chronic anemia. Patients often require lifelong regular blood transfusions. In Indonesia, it was estimated that more than 13,000 people were living with thalassemia in 2024, and the number continues to increase each year.
Stem Cell Transplantation, one of the main treatments offered at the Thalassemia Center, is also one of the five Centers of Excellence at Tzu Chi Hospital. The medical team, led by Dr. Edi Setiawan Tehuteru, Sp.A, Subsp.H.O (K), M.H.A, Dr. Anky Tri Rini Kusumaning Edy, Sp.A Subsp.H.O (K), and Dr. Ludi Dhyani Rahmartani, Sp.A, Subsp.H.O (K), underwent special training in stem cell transplantation at Tzu Chi Hospital Hualien, Taiwan, to ensure that patients receive the most advanced and compassionate care. In addition to doctors, Tzu Chi Hospital also has certified nurses trained in thalassemia care, supported by child psychologists specializing in child development.
The Thalassemia Center, located on the 11th floor of Tzu Chi Hospital, is equipped with a Blood Stem Cell Transplantation facility, six super-sterile rooms for transplantation procedures, one isolation room in the thalassemia transfusion unit, three outpatient clinics, and 36 beds for transfusion. These facilities provide services ranging from screening and laboratory diagnostics to therapy for thalassemia. Starting from the clinic, patients can consult with specialists and receive iron chelation therapy to prevent complications from iron overload due to repeated transfusions.
The Thalassemia Transfusion Unit, designed with high safety and comfort standards, includes an isolation room for patients with infections or weakened immunity, as well as a resuscitation area in the blood transfusion unit to handle acute transfusion reactions, shock, or other complications. As the only curative therapy for thalassemia patients, Tzu Chi Hospital has successfully performed both blood stem cell transplantation and its first gene therapy, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of thalassemia care.
Prof. DR. Dr. Satyanegara, Sp.BS(K), Senior Director of Tzu Chi Hospital, stated, “Blood transfusion is the simplest method and has been practiced for a long time. With the opening of the Thalassemia Unit, patients can now receive regular transfusions more easily and systematically.”
Dr. Gunawan Susanto, Sp.BS, President Director of Tzu Chi Hospital, said, “This Thalassemia Center was born out of the compassion of our donors, to give hope and a better life to our brothers and sisters, especially children, who have been struggling against thalassemia. This disease not only requires long-term medical care but also poses a great challenge for families. Therefore, Tzu Chi Hospital is committed to providing holistic, humane, and professional services with new approaches. These include not only blood transfusions and medical treatment but also psychosocial support, family counseling, and moral encouragement so that patients can live their lives with greater strength and optimism.”
Dr. Edi Setiawan Tehuteru, Sp.A, Subsp.H.O (K), M.H.A, added, “With the inauguration of the Thalassemia Transfusion Unit as part of the Thalassemia Center at Tzu Chi Hospital, we hope thalassemia patients in Indonesia will gain access to more comprehensive, modern, and holistic care, thereby improving their quality of life and giving them new hope for a healthier and more productive future.”
With the opening of the Thalassemia Transfusion Unit, Tzu Chi Hospital aims to ensure that patients with thalassemia have access to safe, comfortable, and high-quality services. The establishment of this unit is also a tangible expression of Tzu Chi Hospital’s mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality, and innovative healthcare services for the people of Indonesia.
About Tzu Chi Hospital
Tzu Chi Hospital is a private hospital under the auspices of Yayasan Buddha Tzu Chi Medika Indonesia, founded on the principles of respecting life, valuing humanity, and compassion. Every service at Tzu Chi Hospital emphasizes professionalism and a humanistic culture, reflected through international-quality care combined with a warm touch of humanity.
Tzu Chi Hospital has five Centers of Excellence:
- Blood Stem Cell Transplantation
- Stroke and Neurosurgery Care
- Comprehensive Maternal and Child Care
- Integrated Cancer Care
- Palliative Care
For more information:
Tzu Chi Hospital Call Center: (021) 5095 0888
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