BANTUL, YOGYAKARTA – Ramadan 1445 AH is approaching. #RamadanMendekatkan is resonating more and more, because it is not only about enduring hunger and thirst, but also about ensuring that the happiness and blessings of Ramadan are felt by all levels of society. It’s a call to all to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need, to fill this holy month with kindness.
The kindness of #RamadanMendekatkan was realized through Cuma-Cuma Health Services (LKC) Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta (DD Jogja) and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in Bantul Regency, which held a blood donation event at Siluk River School, Siluk II Hamlet, Selopamioro Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Province on Saturday (17/2/2024). The event was attended by donors from residents around Selopamioro Village, which not only revived the spirit of sharing, but also had a positive impact on public health.
According to WHO calculations, Indonesia needs around 5.5 million blood bags every year, with a target for each region to provide at least 2 percent of its population. Unfortunately, based on the latest data from PMI Indonesia’s Blood Donor Unit (UDD), the current stock of blood bags only reaches 77.4 thousand. This action is also in line with this data. It aims to increase the number of donors and make people aware of the importance of contributing to an adequate blood supply.
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With a minimal supply of blood bags while welcoming the month of Ramadan 1445 H, LKC DD Jogja, in synergy with PMI, held a blood donation action entitled “Special Tarhib Ramadan.” This is a concrete step to support the government in meeting the need for blood stocks in the Blood Donor Unit (UDD), especially for the poor.
As the person in charge of this humanitarian activity, Raditya explained that this action was not only a concern for health, but also a tangible demonstration of the spirit of brotherhood in welcoming the holy month of Ramadan.
“In welcoming the month of Ramadan 1445 H, hopefully we can realize our sense of solidarity in helping each other. And hopefully, Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta’s Free Health Services (LKC) can increase the satisfaction of public health services and assist the government in providing blood needs for healthy people and mitigating the impact of the spread of disease,” said Raditya.
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The blood donation event was held from 09:00-13:00 WIB. Participants were asked to fill out a registration form first, then undergo a series of health checks to ensure eligibility as a donor. If qualified as a healthy donor, experts from PMI will carry out blood collection activities.
Alhamdulillah, the blood donation activity went smoothly. Irvan, a DD Jogja volunteer from Pleret, Yogyakarta, who was also a donor, expressed his enthusiasm for this blood donation activity. For him, this activity not only strengthens the relationship with DD Jogja, but also becomes a routine for Irvan, who has often participated in blood donation. Irvan hopes that the blood he donates can benefit many people.
“I am very enthusiastic about this blood donation activity. In addition to strengthening the relationship with Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta, because I often do blood donations. After donating blood I feel my body becomes better, fresher, more fit. And hopefully the blood I donate is useful for many people. So, when I heard that there was a blood donor near my house, I immediately came here and hopefully in the future it will be held again, so that I can routinely donate blood without having to go far to the PMI office,” she concluded. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text & Photo: DD Jogja & Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Dhika Prabowo