PMI was able to collect 1,000 pouches of blood per day, but during the fasting month it was only able to collect 300 pouches per dayJakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono has said the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), particularly the Jakarta office, is running short of supplies of blood due to the decreasing number of blood donors during the fasting month.
"In the previous months, PMI was able to collect 1,000 pouches of blood per day, but during the fasting month it was only able to collect 300 pouches per day," the coordinating minister for people`s welfare said here on Thursday.
He added that the shortage of blood stocks was a cause for concern because blood supplies are badly needed in Jakarta and other regions.
"I have received reports on the increasing number of traffic accidents where the victims would, of course, need blood, and about natural disasters which took place of late. Those who are hospitalized must have blood," he said.
Last month, Indonesian Red Cross Chairman Jusuf Kalla visited the PMI office on Kramat Raya street to monitor available blood stocks.
Accompanied by assistants, Kalla checked the blood bank and met with several blood donors there. He also took time to acknowledge the efforts of a regular donor.
Kalla said that the available stock would be adequate to meet requirements during the month of fasting.
The former vice-president also called on the public to actively take part in PMI`s blood donation campaigns.
(A014)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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