SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday directed Deputy Commissioners to strengthen the Indian Red Cross Society’s network, mobilise more resources and expand humanitarian services to far-flung and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K UT, Sinha also called for preparation of comprehensive district-wise annual activity plans and intensified efforts for the complete elimination of tuberculosis (TB).
The meeting reviewed the functioning, activities and future roadmap of the IRCS, J&K. It was attended by Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, IRCS J&K General Secretary Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, Deputy Commissioners, who are also presidents of District Red Cross Units, and other officials.
Sinha, who is president of the IRCS J&K, directed Deputy Commissioners to intensify resource mobilisation and explore innovative avenues for generating funds to strengthen the society’s humanitarian and welfare activities.
He asked the Deputy Commissioners to prepare district-wise annual activity plans, identify priority areas and interventions, and submit them for effective implementation.
Calling for greater outreach, Sinha said Red Cross services should be taken closer to people living in remote and border areas.
He also advised the Deputy Commissioners to explore setting up diagnostic centres in remote areas, particularly at locations where residents have to travel long distances to access hospitals and essential healthcare services.
On tuberculosis, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for coordinated efforts towards its complete elimination, with emphasis on early identification, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients at the grassroots level.
Sinha further called upon the Red Cross Society to strengthen its humanitarian role and ensure timely assistance and essential services reach vulnerable and needy sections of society across Jammu and Kashmir.
He also directed IRCS J&K officials to intensify their anti-drug campaign and contribute towards building a Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir.
During the meeting, IRCS J&K General Secretary Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak presented various agenda items for review and ratification.
The meeting also discussed budget estimates, audit, appointment of Medical Officers at blood banks and diagnostic centres, besides activities undertaken by the Red Cross Society and its district-level units.
The Deputy Commissioners briefed the Lieutenant Governor on activities being carried out in their respective districts and offered suggestions to further strengthen the functioning and outreach of the Red Cross Society.
