Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government through President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will grant Rp1 billion to the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) for its blood donation activities.

"I will provide assistance to PMI to buy eggs, noodles, and vitamins for its blood donation activities. There is Rp1 billion that I will give you later," President Yudhoyono told PMI Chairman M. Jusuf Kalla at a function to present social service medals of honor to 1,329 voluntary blood donors in Jakarta on Tuesday.

On the occasion, President Yudhoyono said voluntary blood donation was a noble activity, and its improvement would mean the improvement of national blood stocks.

The president also called on all parties to ensure the sufficiency of national blood stocks in order to be distributed as soon as possible to those who needed it.

"Let us make sure that the national blood stocks are enough for the patients who are in need of blood transfusion," the head of state said.

Besides, President Yudhoyono also encouraged the Indonesian Red Cross and the rank and file in the government to improve the quality of blood transfusion and access to technology.

Therefore the head of state expressed hope that PMI would continue to establish cooperation with the government, business players, and international organizations to improve the quality of its services, particularly in blood donation activities and blood distribution to patients who needed it.

"We have make the noble voluntary blood donation activities part of our culture," the president said.
(Uu.O001/HAJM/S012)

Editor: Luki Satrio
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