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Public should help maintain availability of donated blood stocks: PMI
Written by Nur Yasmin
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Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Chief Jusuf Kalla appealed to the public to help maintain the availability of no less than 5.5 million bags of donated blood to meet the nation's requirements.
"According to calculations, the demand for donated blood reaches two percent of the total population. Since Indonesia has 227 million people, we need a minimum supply of 5.5 million bags of blood," Kalla emphasized during a national webinar to commemorate 2021 International Blood Donor Day, virtually monitored by ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.
The vice president noted that the demand for donated blood had, so far, been met adequately either through initiatives from the organization or individuals and collective donations to the local Red Cross offices.
Kalla remarked that blood donation routines were usually conducted during special events, such as a company’s anniversary or regularly organized donations.
However, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these routines are no longer taking place.
"During this pandemic, only voluntary blood donors that have routinely donated blood come forward, so that the availability of donated blood can be maintained," he stressed.
Hence, through the celebration of World Blood Donor Day this year, Kalla appealed to all societal elements to return to donate their blood regularly while continuing to adhere to the applicable health protocols.
"The Indonesian Red Cross, alongside the Ministry of Health and National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), welcome volunteers to donate their blood regularly at the Red Cross," he stated.
Kalla affirmed that the PMI currently had over 250 operating locations for blood donation that were open round the clock.
"Let us encourage people, who regularly donate blood, to make time for more donations, so that blood supplies will not run out. Companies and organizations keen on conducting blood donations are also welcomed to do so by continuing to practice health protocols. We need all of your participation," he said. (antaranews)
