Blood runs out

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