Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan was formally inducted as the president and life member of the state branch of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) on the occasion of World Red Cross Day observed at Raj Bhavan here today.
Emphasizing the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Everything we do comes from the heart’.
Citing the stagnation and lack of proper infrastructure of the society’s Maternity and Child Care Centre, which is functioning from a 100-year-old office building located at Howell Road, Laban, the Governor stressed on the urgent need to revamp the existing building of the IRCS with modernised tools, equipment and blood banks with the help and intervention of the state’s Health Department.
Chauhan acknowledged the efforts of the Meghalaya branch of the IRCS in contributing to disaster relief efforts and in conducting voluntary blood donation camps. Referring to the central government’s initiative to eradicate leprosy and tuberculosis from the country by 2025, he called upon the general public to join hands with the Red Cross by adopting patients and pledging support for their care in order to achieve the targeted goal.
In support of the TB Free India Campaign and in service of the people of Meghalaya, the Governor registered himself as a donor, or Nikshay Mitra, and donated a cheque of Rs 90,000 to the State Tuberculosis Officer for the provision of nutritious food to 15 TB patients across Meghalaya for a period of six months.
In recognition of their service rendered to society, 24 individuals were inducted as life members of IRCS Meghalaya on the day.
Earlier, Chauhan also planted saplings in the lawns of Raj Bhavan to mark the occasion.
