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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 27 (EMN): Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi on Tuesday said that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is implementing an ambitious national strategic plan to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global SDG target of 2030, asserting that the economic burden of this public health crisis is significant in terms of lives, income and workdays.
He stated this while addressing the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) ceremonial function of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland (IRCSN) at Dr. Imkongliba Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
‘Since the challenge of TB requires multi-sectoral response to address social determinants like nutritional support, vocational support, more access to diagnostic and treatment services etc., the community and institutions play a critical role in filling the gaps and addressing the social determinants, thereby contributing to the national goal’, he said.
“Here the Red Cross can participate in the nutritional support component and contribute to the elimination of TB in the country. Therefore, I urge the Red Cross to play its part in eliminating TB by 2025 as envisaged”, Mukhi said.
He pointed out that worldwide, the Red Cross is considered to be an organisation with a strong global presence connecting people requiring assistance at the grassroots.
“To sustain this image of the organisation, we need to streamline the system with new technology. The Red Cross should be transparent, prompt and effective in providing services,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also highlighted the importance of the emergence of social media, asserting that information and technology, and digitalisation of procedures should be incorporated into the society to modernise and enhance its functioning.
Stating that the total number of members in the state is almost 10,000, the governor pointed out that membership drives should be scaled up as this will strengthen the organisation physically and economically.
Towards this, he stated that the branches should strive to register youth leaders, teachers, church leaders, doctors and nurses who can take a proactive role in carrying out the mission of the Red Cross.
Further, he also urged the IRCSN to involve the medical fraternity, particularly doctors and nurses, who can become a great asset to the society especially in organising health programmes and during emergency situations.
Pointing out that the IRCSN has been imparting training on first aid and blood donation programmes, Mukhi said these two activities must be continued with greater interest to help people in times of emergencies.
He stated that the Indian Red Cross Society is a statutory organisation constituted under the Act of Parliament 1920. It is a voluntary human organisation with 110 branches in 36 states and union territories, giving relief in time of emergencies and also promoting health care to vulnerable people and communities.
Further, he told the participants that the machinery of Red Cross can function smoothly only when all stakeholders extend their full cooperation and work with dedication, keeping the principles of Red Cross in mind, and appealed to the Nagas to work hard to help their fellowman, particularly the weaker section of the society during times of disaster.
The governor decorated the IRCSN badge to 11 patrons and vice-patrons, and along with other dignitaries, lit the ceremonial lamp.
Earlier, Abeni TCK, Chairperson of IRCSN, in her opening remark said the IRCSN volunteers have displayed various initiatives over the years, adding that the Red Cross volunteers in Dimapur have been consistently organising blood donation drives and have set up a helpline to assist anyone in need of blood.
On the occasion, Dr. R Rose Chakhesang, managing committee member, presented the report on business session that was held on September 26, while Akhale V Khamo managing committee member, IRCSN delivered the welcome address; Mount Olive College (Youth Red Cross) presented a song and vote of thanks was proposed by John Kath, managing committee member, IRCSN.