Health facilities in Bali remain open during Nyepi Day

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - All health facilities across Bali will remain open for 24 hours during Nyepi Day, ensuring uninterrupted medical services as the island shuts down for the annual Hindu Day of Silence.

Head of Health Service Units at the Bali Health Office Dewa Puspa said on Wednesday that hospitals and community health centers would continue operating throughout the day.

The directive has been issued to district and city health offices, which have been instructed to stay on alert from the pre-Nyepi period, when mobility typically surges due to large public gatherings for ogoh-ogoh parades and rituals.

She urged local health authorities to closely monitor staffing levels, equipment and medicine supplies to ensure services run smoothly, noting that previous Nyepi observances have generally remained calm with only limited emergency cases.

“For emergencies such as childbirth, specialists and medical personnel will remain on duty according to schedules during Nyepi Day,” she said.

“We also encourage health workers to provide online consultation services for residents who require assistance,” she added.

Residents experiencing urgent medical conditions were advised not to delay seeking care and to coordinate with local community leaders if assistance is needed to reach nearby facilities.

Maintaining full health services during Nyepi is considered essential, as Balinese Hindus observe the Catur Brata Penyepian, a set of strict rituals that limit movement, work, travel and entertainment across the island.

The observance effectively brings Bali to a standstill for 24 hours, with streets empty and most activities suspended.

Transport services are also halted during the period.

Flights at Bali’s main international gateway in Badung District are suspended for 24 hours, while ferry crossings to and from the island are temporarily stopped.