Lack of donors donating blood to Jakarta Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Jalan Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, makes blood stock declines drastically entering mid-term of fasting month of Ramadan. If usually there were 1,000-1,200 blood bags, now there are only 200 blood bags. Whereas, blood needs for patients in hospitals reach 700-800 bags per day.

Blood stock is declining because many people won’t donate blood in fasting month

“Blood stock is declining because many people won’t donate blood in fasting month. That’s why we continuously hold socialization that donating blood in fasting month does not break your fast, which is in accordance to Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI)’s edict in year 2000,” stated Head of Jakarta PMI Blood Procurement Division, Dian Winarti, Monday (7/14).

To resolve blood stock short, Head of Jakarta PMI Blood Transfusion Unit, Salimar Salim, said that Jakarta PMI together with TNI hospital holds blood donor activity in five PMI headquarters at five municipalities, several hospitals, and malls. Especially for blood donors in hospitals, 70 percent of blood bags collected will be donated to respective hospitals.

“Blood donor activity in five PMI headquarters at five municipalities is held routinely every Tuesday-Thursday from 8 AM until 12 PM,” he informed.

Meanwhile, East Jakarta PMI spokeswoman, Dewi Rahmadania, disclosed that since blood donor activity is held in East Jakarta PMI headquarter, Jalan I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Klender, in early Ramadan, there are not much people come and donate their bloods.

“There are only five people coming. Usually, the number could reach 25 people,” she told.