Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 373/16

INDIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY ADOPTS PYRDA VILLAGE

Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Meghalaya, on 16th July 2016 adopted Pyrda, in a programme held by IRCS, Meghalya, at Pyrda village. The idea for adopting a remote village in need of medical help was mooted by the Governor of Meghalaya, V Shanmuganathan who is also the President of ICRS, Meghalaya, on 9th May 2016 during the celebration of the World Red Cross Day. The adoption of Pyrda was followed with the opening of Charitable Dispensary, aided by the ICRS, Meghalaya. Some, Over the Counter (OTC) medicines donated by various pharmaceutical companies and by ICRS, Meghalaya have been left in the Dispensary to be dispensed by volunteers who have received some basic training in this regard. The training on first aid and basic rescue techniques was given by a team of competent instructors from the Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards. Neighbouring villages will also benefit from the Charitable Dispensary at Pyrda. A total of over 200 patients were attended to by the doctors and medicines prescribed accordingly were dispensed free of cost. Visitation by medical officers as and when available will be arranged and OTC medicines will be replenished on a regular basis. It is hoped that with the assistance and support of the Health Department and other line departments, ICRS, Meghalaya, in collaboration with Government of Meghalaya, such adoptions continue and much needed medical support reach people in remote areas. It may be mentioned here that Pyrda is a remote village near Mawbeh which is about 35 kms away from Shillong. W R Marbaniang, Chairman, ICRS, Meghalaya, Dr L E K Marbaniang, Retied Medical Officer, Dr A Kharsunai from Directorate of Health Services, Meghalaya, Francis Synrem, Sordar of Pyrda, medical officers and personnel from Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards, volunteers from the Red Cross Society, medical representatives from various pharmaceutical companies and villagers of Pyrda village keenly participated in the programme in spite of incessant rains and inclement monsoon weather.