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

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

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Acharya 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.”

Addressing the gathering at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, the Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reforms in healthcare and appreciated Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s efforts to strengthen Red Cross institutions in Assam. He highlighted initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, Mission Indradhanush, and the expansion of health infrastructure, noting that these measures ensure quality healthcare for all citizens.

The Governor also commended the Red Cross for its vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining 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,” he remarked.

Concluding his address, Governor Acharya urged 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 highlighted the history and growth of the Indian Red Cross Children’s Hospital, established in 1979 and now operating as a 64-bedded facility with six doctors, 16 nurses, and 68 staff members.

The hospital also runs an ANM School with four instructors and 30 nursing students, alongside a functional blood bank. Recalling its contribution during the pandemic, he said a major camp collected 500 units of blood while staff worked round-the-clock to ensure uninterrupted services.

Chakraborty further announced that, on the initiative of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rs 1 crore has been sanctioned for the infrastructural development of the hospital. Of this, Rs 50 lakh will be used for the construction of a new first floor to expand capacity and improve healthcare facilities for children.

Later, interacting with the media, Governor Acharya expressed his appreciation for the Red Cross activities he witnessed firsthand, lauding its role in disaster response, community health, and humanitarian service. He underlined the need for sustained public participation and government support to further strengthen healthcare and humanitarian institutions.

The event was 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; besides leading citizens and staff members of the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

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