Red Cross anticipates blood supply shortage on holidays

P.C. Naommy, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is struggling to maintain blood supplies to meet the expected high demand during the long official holiday, in cooperation with religious institutions, the Indonesian Military (TNI) and high schools and universities, an official said.

The head of the PMI Jakarta Blood Transfusion Center, Harry Harsono, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the demand for blood in Greater Jakarta ranges from 400 to 600 bags a day.

"Our Nov. 19 records show there are only 4,179 bags of blood available at the PMI," he said.

Against the average daily demand for blood, it is estimated that the PMI would be facing a shortage of about 1,800 bags of blood over the 10-day holiday.

Harry said the PMI's supply consisted of 460 bags of blood and 3,719 bags of blood components such as thrombocyte, fresh frozen plasma and red cell concentrate.

To anticipate the blood supply shortage during the holiday, Harry said "TNI personnel, members of religious institutions and students will be available at any time to donate their blood in an emergency".

He said the cooperation would be able to supplement the blood supply by 20 percent.

The PMI has also requested that people who come in for blood also bring a donor or donors of any blood type to help keep reserves stocked.

Harry said the blood supply shortage was mainly due to the fasting month and the Idul Fitri holiday season, when people were most reluctant to donate blood.

"The number of blood donors dropped by 40 percent seven days before Ramadhan fasting month and has now reached 60 percent," he said.

A PMI staff member said their mobile units were inactive during the month. "This worsens the low blood supply," she said.

For Idul Fitri, the PMI has readied health posts and 17 ambulance units at eight transportation hubs in Jakarta to provide emergency medical services.

The PMI's 24-hour health posts and ambulances have been set up at the Gambir, Senen and Kota railway stations, at the Pulogadung, Kampung Rambutan, Lebak Bulus and Kali Deres bus stations and at Tanjung Priok harbor.

"Our service centers were opened seven days prior to the holiday and will be available until seven days after," said Harry.

He added that the PMI volunteer corps and the Teen Red Cross (PMR) would provide assistance in situations aside from medical emergencies.

"Just in case passengers need a helping hand to load their bags onto the train or bus, our team will be ready to help."