Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called for a sustained awareness campaign on thalassemia to help identify undiagnosed cases and improve public understanding of the blood disorder.
Kambhampati made the suggestion while chairing the executive committee meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch, at Lok Bhawan on Friday.
He stressed the need for a long-term awareness programme in view of the rising number of thalassemia patients and the possibility of many cases remaining undetected.
The Governor also asked the Red Cross to approach corporate organisations for Corporate Social Responsibility support for its programmes. He directed the executive committee to meet at least three times a year to regularly review its activities.
Appreciating the organisation’s humanitarian and social welfare work, Kambhampati suggested specialised training for volunteers involved in elderly care services. He also advised seeking the necessary government approval and support from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
He further called for greater participation of youth and volunteers to strengthen Red Cross services across Odisha.
Senior government officials and members of the IRCS-OSB executive committee attended the meeting. Honorary Secretary Ganesh Chandra Patra presented the organisation’s activity report.