Blood crisis spark donor meeting

JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to deal with blood supply shortages, the city chapter of the Indonesian Blood Donor Association will hold a meeting next month, one of its executives said yesterday.

Deputy chairman of the association Rama Boedi said the meeting would discuss crucial matters including boosting the number of blood donors, which has dropped significantly during the economic crisis.

"We will start with a blood donor list. We will urge potential donors, such as member of the Armed Forces, civil servants and employees of various companies in Jakarta, to join the blood donation program."

Rama said the meeting was important to prevent a possible blood crisis, especially in Jakarta.

"We hope to solve the problem of a lack of blood donors soon."

Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood in the city, which requires 15,850 bags per month. Each bag contains between 200 cc to 300 cc of blood.

On average, it supplies 84 percent of blood needs in the city. (edt)