Latest news with #IndianRedCrossSociety


Hans India
4 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
CM Bhupendra Patel flags off mobile medical vans for Gujarat's tribal districts
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday flagged off a fleet of mobile medical vans dedicated to delivering doorstep healthcare services in the tribal districts of the state. The mobile medical units will operate in remote districts including Dang, Dahod, Sabarkantha, and Aravalli, aiming to strengthen last-mile healthcare access in underserved tribal areas. Each mobile van is equipped with GPRS-enabled systems and staffed with a trained team comprising a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and driver. These vans will offer routine medical check-ups, free distribution of medicines, and basic treatment to more than 100 patients per day, with a monthly outreach target of over 10,000 individuals. In addition to providing direct healthcare, the initiative will focus on community health awareness. Under the initiative, Information campaigns on cervical cancer, breast cancer, thalassemia, and sickle cell disease prevention will be conducted in villages and hamlets. Speaking on the occasion, officials emphasised that the programme aligns with the state's broader vision of inclusive health outreach, especially for tribal and interior regions. The mobile medical vans represent a significant step in bridging the urban-rural healthcare divide. The initiative has been launched under a joint effort by the Indian Red Cross Society, Gujarat State Branch, and REC Foundation, Delhi, as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda. The year 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of tribal freedom fighter Birsa Munda, a legendary figure in India's struggle against British colonial rule and the exploitation of tribal communities. Revered as a symbol of indigenous pride and resistance, Birsa Munda led a powerful movement in the late 19th century to protect tribal land rights and cultural identity in present-day Jharkhand and surrounding regions. On the occasion, various initiatives are being launched across the country, ranging from healthcare outreach in tribal areas to educational and cultural programmes, aimed at celebrating his legacy and empowering the communities he fought for.


Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Guv launches Red Cross activities in Aizawl college
1 2 Aizawl: In a push for humanitarian outreach and youth involvement, Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh, who also serves as the president of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Mizoram State Branch, inaugurated Red Cross Society activities at Govt Aizawl North College (GANC) on Thursday, reports HC Vanlalruata. Addressing students and faculty, the governor praised Mizoram's strong tradition of community spirit and volunteerism. "The Mizo way of life embodies kindness, selfless service, and unity — values that align seamlessly with the mission of the Red Cross," he said. Highlighting the role of structured humanitarian organisations, he noted the unique value of the Indian Red Cross Society even within close-knit societies.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Guv to inaugurate new 20,000 sqft Red Cross Society bldg
Mangaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot will inaugurate the new centenary building of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Dakshina Kannada unit at the old DC office premises, here on July 26. IRCS district president Shantharam Shetty told reporters here on Tuesday that the new 20,000 sqft building, built at a cost of Rs six crore, comprises a basement, ground floor, and two upper floors. The ground floor has an office, visitor's lounge, and a meeting hall, an AC conference hall with a capacity of 300 seats, has been set up on the first floor. A conference hall with a sea view has been set up on the second floor with a seating capacity of 500 people, he said. "Though the foundation stone for the centenary building was laid on 26 cents of land in 2021, the work could not be expedited due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors. The building was completed utilising the CSR funds, contributions from donors, and support from the state govt," said Shetty. The Red Cross office, which operated from a small room in the DC's office, was allocated a dedicated office space in 2007. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Later, the IRCS unit built its own facility in 2011. With the services of the IRCS expanded, the district unit planned to have a larger facility and implemented the centenary building project. "With a 70-year history, the Dakshina Kannada branch of IRCS has been promoting humanitarian values. The IRCS blood bank functioning inside the Government Lady Goschen Hospital has been providing free blood to pregnant women and other patients at the hospital. Patients at Wenlock District Hospital have been given blood at a 50% concession. On average, 500 units of blood are distributed free of cost each month," he said. The DK unit of IRCS has plans to supply free blood to BPL patients being treated at private hospitals. Shetty said there is a need to create a dedicated fund for the project. Efforts in this regard will continue after the new building is made fully operational, he said. The unit also plans to establish an eye bank or a dialysis unit with support from CSR funds and other grants. A disaster management unit will be set up on the ground floor, to train volunteers and stock materials required for rescue operations. The conference halls will be given for programmes organised by NGOs and other organisations on days when there are no IRCS activities, he added. Shetty announced that a mobile application is being developed by a private company for the IRCS Dakshina Kannada unit. The app will be launched during the inauguration.


The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian Red Cross Society Centenary Building to be inaugurated in Mangaluru on July 26
The centenary building of the Indian Red Cross Society in Dakshina Kannada district will be inaugurated by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot here on July 26. Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Indian Red Cross Society district unit chairman Shantaram Shetty said it was in 2007 that the then Deputy Commissioner allotted a site for the district unit, which used funds from the sale of blood, CSR funds and donations to construct the four-storey building on the site at a cost of ₹6 crore. The State Red Cross Society granted ₹40 lakh for the building, he said. The ground floor will feature the district unit's office, a visitors' lounge, a VIP lounge, and a meeting hall. The first floor will have a 300-seater 'Prerana' AC auditorium, which will be used for holding functions, and, training and orientation sessions related to blood donation. The second floor will have a sea-view hall. Mr. Shetty said space in the cellar of the building will be used to stock materials related to Disaster Management. The society has also planned to utilise the space for some of the district unit's upcoming signature projects. Mr. Shetty said the Indian Red Cross blood bank has been offering blood to patients at the Government Lady Goschen Hospital free of cost. Inpatients of Government Wenlock Hospital get blood at a 50% concessional rate. It was proposed to offer blood free to patients from below the poverty line. On July 26, a new app of the district unit will be launched, which will help needy contact blood donors at anytime, he said.


Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Govt Rajaji Hospital tops TN in blood donation
Madurai: With donations of 30,047 units of blood in 2024, surpassing the 28,810 units in 2023, the blood bank at Government Rajaji Hospital has topped the state in blood donations. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Doctors said the hospital has been able to manage 100% of the patients' needs for blood over the past year, thanks to donors from different walks of life, from colleges to organisations. Dr M Sintha, head of the Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, said the blood bank has been selected for an award at national level. "The blood collected is 100% screened and analysed. The hospital has also identified as many as 29 rare 'O' negative and 'Bombay' blood group donors. We are constantly in touch with them for any urgent blood requirements," she added. A total of 208 blood donation camps were organised by GRH last year. Apart from large amounts of donated blood being used for treatment during bleeding in pregnancy cases, emergency trauma cases, and surgeries, the donated blood is also used for treating blood disorders like thalassemia. "After the Covid-19 pandemic, a fear to donate blood was prevalent among people. But, with awareness, the attitude is changing," said A Rajkumar, district secretary, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Madurai. While student donors were common, they were trying to work with private companies to conduct blood donation camps,. he said. GRH alone needs more than 100 units of blood every day. Many people are keen to donate when they come to know that donating blood is a sign of good health and does them no harm, said Rajkumar who has donated blood 54 times so far. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now GRH dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar on Saturday felicitated colleges whose student volunteers donated most units of blood to the blood bank in 2024. The first prize was won by The American College student volunteers who donated 1,223 units of blood, followed by volunteers of NMSS Vellaichamy Nadar College, and Thiagarajar Engineering College. Volunteer blood donors through fan clubs of popular Tamil film actors or political organisations have also come forward for blood donations.