The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS)’s district branch rendered exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic by organising blood donation camps for the benefit of blood transfusion-dependent patients, said Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Donation of blood was the best programme the IRCS conducted during the pandemic when most of the persons were unable to donate blood at that time, she said, lauding the IRCS local branch for its focus on rendering help to the patients suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia, which are prevalent in Bhadrachalam Agency inhabited by Adivasi koyas.
She was speaking at the IRCS blood bank in Bhadrachalam after laying the foundation stone for thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia ward in the temple town on Monday.
She handed over an ambulance to the functionaries of the IRCS district branch and a cheque for ₹20 lakh for construction of a dedicated ward for persons suffering from the thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.
“Service to mankind is service to God,” she said, adding small gestures like rendering timely help to the needy patients and visiting those ailing will go a long way in serving the cause of humanity.
She said two bike ambulances were donated for the benefit of tribals during her recent visit to the tribal habitations situated along the fringes of Nallamala forests in Nagarkurnool district. The need of the hour is to focus on improving access to timely healthcare services to the needy in interior tribal areas, she added.
Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan also attended a traditional “Seemantham” ceremony of Adivasi women organised by the Vanvasi Kalyan Parishat in the temple town.
Speaking on the occasion, she said there is a scientific reason behind organising “Seemantham ceremony” for pregnant women, a tradition in vogue since generations. Good nourishment, antenatal care and child immunisation are the prerequisites for healthy motherhood, she emphasised.
Earlier in the day, the Governor took part in the Pattabisheka Mahotsavam of Lord Rama held at the Mithila stadium in the temple town. She offered pattu vastrams to the presiding deity of the historic Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple, dating back to the 17 th Century, at the coronation ceremony.
Secretary to Governor Surendra Mohan, Additional Collector, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Venkateshwarlu, among others, attended the ceremony.
Speaking to mediapersons after offering prayers at the historic temple, the Governor said that she had prayed for the wellbeing of all and the all-round prosperity and development of the State and the nation.
