PMI plans night blood donation program for Ramadan

In order to maintain its supply of blood from Muslim donors during the holy month of Ramadan, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) plans to run all its blood donation programs at night time throughout the month.

"People can give blood after they have done their tarawih prayers," PMI chairman Jusuf Kalla said Monday, referring to the night prayers that normally run until 9 p.m.

Kalla added that demand for blood transfusions tended to decline during Ramadan.

"I have also asked other religious institutions, such as churches and temples, to conduct more blood donation events," Kalla said. (aaa)