World Blood Donor Day, Jakarta - PMI Strengthens Collaboration to Optimize Blood Stock

Jakarta Vice Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria, represented the Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, to be a speaker and gave a speech at the Blood Donation Talk Show in the context of World Blood Donor Day 2021, at Jakarta PMI Hall, Jalan Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, on Monday (6/14).

Thus far we can only collect at least 100 bags. Today we have managed to collect 400-500 bags per day

Riza asserted that the Jakarta administration and PMI were continuously improving the performance and collaboration in fulfilling blood bags amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

"Thus far we can only collect at least 100 bags. Today we have managed to collect 400-500 bags per day. Nevertheless, we will try to collect 1,000 bags per day as previously. To blood donors, I want to say thank you. Your blood is red, your heart is white. So sharing, don't wait for us or our families in need, then we will realize the importance of donating blood donor," he expressed, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

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He added that campaigning for the main goal of blood donation is the joint task of all parties, especially during the pandemic, which aims to increase public awareness of the need for blood donation and contribute to public health.

"By doing so, we are brothers and sisters, our blood reaches other people, we have become real brothers. So, it's time for us to share, especially during this pandemic, don't be afraid and worry," he urged.

He also appreciated the Blood Donation Talk Show initiated by Jakarta PMI with the theme 'World Blood Donor Day, Message and Contribution of Jakarta to Indonesia and the World'. It is in line with the theme of World Blood Donor Day 2021, namely 'Give Blood and Keep the World Beating'.

"It's an honor and a sense of emotion, today I was accompanied by representatives of thalassemia patients and cancer sufferers, as well as beneficiary hospitals. I welcome the theme of this talk show. Mr. Rustam (Chairman of Jakarta PMI) invites elements of society, the community, to hold activities every week, we encourage, through social service activities, donations. Even, activities that are routinely carried out every Saturday and Sunday, mass organizations and communities, we ask to share with others, which is no less important, especially during this pandemic we must improve," he continued.

As for the information, the Jakarta administration is committed to paying attention to voluntary blood donors, by giving appreciation to the Heroes of Humanity (Voluntary Blood Donors), among others, for donors who have donated blood 75 times and 100 times routinely. In essence, blood donation is urgently needed worldwide to ensure individuals and communities have access to safe and quality blood and blood products in normal and emergency situations.

"We also invite residents from the provincial to the sub-district level to donate blood. Moreover, the need for blood in the world is very large and it is never always sufficient. In Indonesia, every eight seconds, there is one person who needs a blood transfusion. Blood donors are heroes who save the lives of others, even unknown. Health is a human right. Everyone has the right to have access to safe blood transfusions, anytime and anywhere," he added.

Jakarta PMI Chairman, Rustam Effendi revealed, to support the World Blood Donor Day, his party had prepared a series of activities from June 6 - 30. He ensured it would be provided for 24 hours and would continue to gather people to donate blood, as well as continue to pay attention to the quality of donated blood. It is in line with the call from the PMI Indonesia Chairman, Jusuf Kalla, to meet and increase blood stocks every day, especially in Jakarta.

"There are many activities that essentially continue to invite people today, especially millennials, to participate in blood donors. We have done a breakthrough, despite it is unoptimal. Today is the peak of donor activities. Our target is about 22,621 bags. This also aims to commemorate the Jakarta 494th anniversary. We also keep asking for input from donors to improve our service in the future," he uttered.