Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 11 : The Indian Red Cross Society, J&K-UT on Saturday said it is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, ensuring the well-being of vulnerable populations and promoting health and humanitarian values throughout India.
Red Cross Society J&K, as per the news agency conducted a series of activities in 2024 to improve the quality of life for individuals facing severe physical challenges.
Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (President, IRCS J&K) and the supervision of Rohit Khajuria (General Secretary), the organisation conducted numerous impactful activities in 2024.
Free Sanitary Napkin Distribution and Menstrual Hygiene Education: The J&K Red Cross Society distributed free sanitary napkins to female students at various government schools and conducted educational lectures on menstrual hygiene. This initiative aims to ensure that girls have the resources they need to manage their menstrual health with dignity and to disband the stigma surrounding menstruation. A total of 1,220 sanitary napkins were distributed.
Free Tea Services: The Society provided complimentary tea outside government hospitals in Jammu & Kashmir for patients and their attendants, which has been well-received by the community. Approximately 17,000 individuals benefited from this service.
Youth and Volunteer Programs: The organisation launched Red Cross Youth Units in every college in J&K, engaging young people in social and health awareness initiatives. A total of 12 camps were held, registering 1,375 students as Annual Associates of the Red Cross.
First-Aid Training and Awareness Programs: In collaboration with St. John Ambulance, the Society conducted first-aid training for corporate employees, students and community members. Over the year, 19 training sessions were held, with 416 participants trained. Additionally, 18 first-aid awareness programs reached approximately 2,000 people.
Healthcare Camps: Comprehensive medical camps offering immunizations, eye check-ups, and dengue testing were organized in schools and local organisations, examining a total of 646 individuals across 8 camps.
Drug De-addiction Programs: The IRCS conducted educational programs in schools and colleges to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, partially funded by the office of the Excise Commissioner, Jammu, under a CSR initiative aimed at combating drug addiction among youth.
Blood Donation Camps: Thirteen blood donation camps were organized in collaboration with various institutions, resulting in 1,177 voluntary donations.
Healthcare Facilities: The J&K Red Cross operates dispensaries and diagnostic laboratories, treating 8,721 patients in various capacities.
Ambulance Services: The Society provides ambulance services for patient transfers, functioning on a no-profit, no-loss basis.
Red Cross Attendant Sarai: Located in Bakshi Nagar, Jammu, this facility offers accommodation and meals to patients and their attendants, serving 8,210 people in 2024.
Jan Aushadhi Initiative: The Society aims to lower healthcare costs by providing quality generic medicines at affordable prices, achieving sales of Rs 30,69,774 in 2024.
Mobile Testing Van: This service was introduced to reach residents in remote areas lacking healthcare accessibility.
Tuberculosis Project: Nutritional support is provided monthly to 232 tuberculosis patients.
Shabeel Seva Program: This initiative aims to provide relief to students and the public during intense heat waves, underscoring the Society’s commitment to community welfare.
Membership Opportunities: Individuals and institutions can become members at various levels, including Life Members and Annual Associates, with a current count of 2,819 associates and 916 institutional members.
Prosthetic Limb Centre: Located at the Orthopaedic Department of Government Medical College, Jammu, this centre has provided free fitting of artificial limbs for over 20 years, in collaboration with ICRC and GMCH, along with providing wheelchairs to those in need
