Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday urged the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch (IRCS-OSB) to undertake sustained awareness programmes on thalassemia, with a focus on identifying patients whose cases may remain undetected.
The governor made the suggestion while presiding over the IRCS-OSB Executive Committee meeting at the conference hall of New Abhisek Hall at Lok Bhavan.
Highlighting the rising number of thalassemia patients in Odisha, Dr. Kambhampati stressed the need for a long-term awareness campaign to improve public awareness about the disease and help identify undetected cases.
The governor also called for greater engagement with corporate organisations to mobilise support through Corporate Social Responsibility for various Red Cross programmes.
He suggested that the Executive Committee meet at least three times a year to ensure regular review and follow-up of its activities.
Reviewing the Red Cross’s work in Odisha, Dr. Kambhampati expressed satisfaction with its activities and suggested conducting training programmes for volunteers involved in elderly care.
He advised the organisation to obtain the necessary government approval and seek support from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the initiative.
Describing the Indian Red Cross Society as a symbol of selfless service to humanity, the Governor said it plays an important role in reducing suffering, protecting lives and supporting people during times of need.
He appreciated the humanitarian, healthcare and social welfare initiatives undertaken by the Odisha State Branch and emphasised the need to further strengthen the Red Cross movement across the state.
Dr. Kambhampati also stressed the importance of increasing the participation of youth and volunteers and ensuring that Red Cross services reach people who need them.
Senior officials from the Health and Family Welfare, Higher Education, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water departments attended the meeting along with members of the IRCS-OSB Executive Committee and senior officials from various concerned departments.
IRCS-OSB Honorary Secretary Ganesh Chandra Patra presented the report at the meeting.
