Governor lays foundation for thalassemia ward

She also attended coronation ceremony of Lord Rama in Bhadrachalam

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.