Shillong, May 8: Meghalaya Governor, Mr. Phagu Chauhan was formally inducted as the President and Life member of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Meghalaya Branch on the occasion World Red Cross Day observed at Raj Bhavan Shillong today.
Emphasizing on the principals of International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Everything we do comes from the heart”
Addressing the gathering, the Governor acknowledged the efforts of the Meghalaya Branch of the IRCS in contributing to disaster relief efforts and conducting various voluntary blood donation camps.
Referring to the Central Government’s initiative to eradicate Leprosy and TB from the country by 2025, he called upon the general public to join hands with the IRCS by adopting patients which will go a long way in achieving the targeted goal.
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 modernized tools, equipment, and blood banks with the help and intervention of the State Health Department.
In support of the TB Free India Campaign and in service of the people of Meghalaya, the Governor registered himself as 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 the State for a period of 6 months.
In recognition of their service rendered to society, 24 individuals were inducted as Life Members on the day. Earlier, the Governor also planted tree saplings in the lawn of the Raj Bhavan to mark the occasion.