SILCHAR : On the second day of his official visit to Silchar, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya reiterated his call for strengthening the humanitarian services of the Indian Red Cross Society and adopting a people-first approach in healthcare.

On Sunday ,The Governor began his day with a visit to the Ramakrishna Mission Sevashram, where he toured the temple premises and offered prayers to Sri Ramakrishna. Later, he arrived at the Silchar branch of the Red Cross Society, where he participated in a tree plantation program and inaugurated a blood donation camp, appreciating the institution’s commitment to serving society.

Speaking at the brief event, the Governor said, “The Red Cross Society has been engaged in humanitarian service for many years. From blood donation to providing medical care to the needy, its role in social welfare is immense. The primary objective of the Red Cross Society is humanitarian service, carried out selflessly, and I am pleased to see such dedicated work in Silchar.”

Delivering his address at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, the Governor commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for transforming healthcare delivery across India and appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in prioritizing the development of Red Cross institutions in Assam.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has entered a new era of healthcare reforms through Ayushman Bharat, the strengthening of health infrastructure, and immunization programs such as Mission Indradhanush.

“These measures reflect the commitment of our government to ensure that quality healthcare reaches every citizen,” the Governor said, adding that the Assam government’s focus on empowering Red Cross units is crucial in extending humanitarian services to the grassroots.

The Governor commended the remarkable contribution of the Red Cross during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that its members worked tirelessly and maintained 24×7 emergency and ambulance services when society needed them most.

“Healthcare should not just cure but care. Hospitals like Silchar’s Red Cross Children’s Hospital are pillars of hope for thousands of families. Strengthening such institutions means strengthening society,” the Governor said.

The Governor concluded his speech by appealing to all stakeholders to uphold the values of service and compassion envisioned by Swami Vivekananda, reaffirming the Red Cross mission of serving humanity with dignity and dedication.

Earlier, Silchar MLA Dipayan Chakraborty addressed the gathering and spoke on the hospital’s legacy and development. He said the Indian Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Silchar was established in 1979 and now functions as a 64-bedded facility, supported by six doctors, 16 nurses, and 68 staff members.

He added that the hospital runs an Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) School, where four instructors train 30 nursing students, and also operates a blood bank to serve the region. Highlighting the hospital’s contribution during the pandemic, he said that a major blood donation camp collected 500 units of blood, while executive members worked round-the-clock to maintain essential services.

The MLA further stated that with the initiative of State Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, an amount of Rs 1 crore will be allocated for the infrastructural development of the Silchar Red Cross Children’s Hospital. Out of this, Rs 50 lakh will be utilized for constructing the first floor of the hospital building to enhance its capacity and improve facilities, thereby ensuring better healthcare services for children in the region.

Later, after the conclusion of the event at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya interacted with the media and expressed his delight at witnessing the Red Cross activities firsthand.

He lauded the institution’s role in disaster response, community health initiatives, and its exceptional service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor stressed the importance of continued public participation and government support to strengthen humanitarian services and healthcare infrastructure in the region.

The event was also attended by Cachar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, IAS; Senior Superintendent of Police, Numal Mahatta, APS; Additional District Commissioner, Antara Sen, ACS; Assistant Commissioner, Neihat Haolai, ACS; leading citizens and staff members of Silchar Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

This is stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally