WNAM REPORT: Vice President Ma’ruf Amin encouraged the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and relevant parties to develop a local plasma fractionation program to reduce the importation of plasma-derived medicinal products.
Amin conveyed this in his remarks at the Satyalancana Social Service Honorary Medal awarding event in Jakarta on Monday.
“I received a report that we are currently still depending on imports of plasma-derived medicinal products, which are made from human blood plasma,” he remarked.
The vice president expressed hope that the innovation would ensure sustainable access to safer and more reliable blood and blood products in Indonesia.
He also encouraged PMI and relevant parties to intensify the dissemination of information and promotion regarding the importance of blood donation to the community.
He noted that currently, PMI’s Blood Donation Units only have around 91 thousand bags. Meanwhile, the ideal availability is 2.5 percent of the total population, which means Indonesia must have at least seven million blood bags per year.
“It shows that Indonesia still needs to increase blood donation so that the minimum blood stocks can be met,” he remarked.
Amin underscored that high awareness and participation of donors will bolster solidarity and increase preparedness against the impacts of disasters and health crises.
He also called for increasing the dissemination of education regarding PMI activities.
The vice president deems it necessary for the PMI to target the younger generations to encourage them to become involved in its activities by utilizing social media and attractive graphic designs to increase their interest in donating blood.
He highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between ministries and agencies to ensure the safety and availability of blood.
Furthermore, he encouraged the involvement of business players and community-based organizations in blood donation activities.
The vice president stated that media outlets owned by business players and community-based organizations can be used for greater public outreach and to motivate people to participate in social and humanitarian programs.
