Guv seeks Red Cross help to contain infant, maternal mortality rates

SHILLONG: Governor V. Shanmuganathan on Monday made a call to those at the helm of affairs of Red Cross to initiate steps to contain infant and maternal mortality rates in Meghalaya.
Addressing the gathering during the celebration of World Red Cross Day 2016 on the theme ‘Everywhere For Everyone’ at Raj Bhavan on Monday, the Governor, who is also the President of the Indian Red Cross Society Meghalaya Branch, asked all life members, youth and junior representatives to assume upon themselves the responsibility of reducing the infant and maternal mortality rate in Meghalaya.
“Adopt a village or villages in the next one year. Conduct door to door surveys to find out the number of pregnant women. Take doctors with you,” the Governor said while seeking the support of those who were present to improve the lives of mothers and the newborns.
Highlighting the plight of pregnant women in the State, the Governor made a clarion call to the Indian Red Cross Society, to set the target of adopting villages to ensure that the condition of expecting mothers is made better.
Invoking one of the key values of the Red Cross, that is, ‘Neutrality’, the Governor urged the Red Cross fraternity to adopt a balanced attitude during and in the aftermath of emergency situations where their services are required. He also asked them to adopt the ‘ever ready for service’ attitude by plunging into action in selfless service to the needy when calamities like earthquakes, cyclones, floods and others strike.
Earlier, the Governor handed over certificates to 12 life members.
The celebrations also witnessed thought provoking songs, dances and skits performed by students representing various city schools and colleges.
Others who spoke at the programme included W.R. Marbaniang, Chairman, A. Swer, Vice-Chairperson, and D. Kharshiing, General Secretary of Indian Red Cross Society Meghalaya Branch.