Blood runs out

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has burdened the community again for three months this year. Like in previous years, PMI collected funds from the people by charging extra on utility bills such as electricity, water, telephone, and even adding to the amount charged for traveling or visiting entertainment centers including movie theaters.

Theoretically the extra payments are voluntary in nature, but in practice the people feel obliged to pay them. It is true that many people just don't bother complaining about that kind of fund-raising activity. Nevertheless, I am sure that low-income people must have complaints about it.

Using the above method, PMI must be able to collect a huge amount of money. Ironically, the poor people, when admitted to the hospital, still have to pay for blood should they need it. What then is the use of public donations both in money and blood?

I hope PMI will consider providing the people with accountability of the funds they have collected from the community, since the amount is presumably very big.

CHADIJAH MASTURA

Bandung