IRCS, Singapore Red Cross ready to enhance cooperation 

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and Singapore Red Cross (SRC) National Society conferred on ways to enhance collaborations during an online meeting on May 15.

The head of the IRCS, Pirhossein Kolivand, and the Secretary General of the SRC National Society, Benjamin William, reviewed the potential to expand cooperation via sharing the expertise of the national societies to boost services provided to people, the IRCS website reported.

“Unlike Singapore, Iran is a disaster-prone country. Singapore Red Cross operates in two main areas, boosting resilience and providing humanitarian services. With 10,000 to 12,000 active and dynamic volunteers, we are ready to provide humanitarian services to people in crisis. We can leverage each other’s capacities and capabilities by establishing mutual communication,” William said.

The SRC humanitarian services in Singapore focus on offering services to the elderly. Moreover, the organization provides mental health services to the families of the elderly and disabled people, and trains children and youth how to assist and care for them, he noted.

” By establishing extensive connections, national societies can enhance their capacities and improve the services they offer. These collaborative efforts make societies more self-sufficient, as well,” the official added.

Kolivand, for his part, elaborated on various educational, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services provided by the IRCS and emphasized, “We are ready to exchange experiences and knowledge with other national societies.”

Referring to the goals of the IRCS, he stated, “Crescent houses were created with the aim of empowering the local people to provide relief in times of crisis.”

These houses are connected with the IRCS in a wide network. To empower the youth and boost the resilience of society, they provide disaster identification and prevention education and teach how to act once facing crises.

The IRCS has more than 3 million members which is expected to reach 5 million volunteers in 8 months.

IRCS is a top organization

On May 8, on the occasion of World Red Cross Day, Kolivand said, the IRCS is recognized as one of the five prominent societies worldwide thanks to its wide range of activities and great achievements both nationally and internationally.

He highlighted the capabilities, dedication, and selflessness of the IRCS women, who work hard in different sectors.

A total of 300 ambulances and 600 rescue vehicles have been purchased. It is planned to add 1,500 more rescue vehicles to the IRCS fleet, Kolivand stated.

Equipping mountain rescue bases, providing insurance for rescuers, and increasing their incomes were among the other measures to enhance the services.

“The Iranian Red Crescent Society has also been active and successful in international missions like helping earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey which made the organization receive the Turkish government’s award for its sacrifice and help,” he further noted.

The official attributed the organization’s achievements to the unwavering dedication of volunteers, whose number has already reached 3 million.

Initiatives to develop and empower Crescent houses in remote, deprived areas and enhance prevention and education programs are other parts of the society’s effort to expand its services.

The IRCS offers public education and relief services courses in universities, schools, seminaries, and barracks to improve the whole society’s resilience in the face of disasters.

Health, treatment, and rehabilitation are another part of the IRCS activities, the IRCS hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics meet the medical and therapeutic needs of thousands of citizens every day.

The IRCS medical centers abroad are reputable worldwide. Soon, the Red Crescent Medical Center will be opened in Tajikistan

As a humanitarian organization, the IRCS is trying to alleviate the suffering of the people involved in accidents, emergencies, and conflicts.

Referring to cooperation with knowledge-based companies, Kolivand said, “Today, collaborations with knowledge-based firms have resulted in advancements in manufacturing orthoses, prostheses, artificial organs, and new medications, with plans to extend cooperation to rescue and relief efforts as well.

MT/MG