Shillong: Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Meghalaya, adopted Pyrda village in a programme held at the village recently.
The idea for adopting a remote village in need of medical help was mooted by Governor V. Shanmuganathan, who is also the President of ICRS, Meghalaya, during the celebration of the World Red Cross Day on May 9, 2016.
The adoption of Pyrda was followed with the opening of a charitable dispensary, aided by the ICRS, Meghalaya.
Some over the counter medicines donated by various pharmaceutical companies and by ICRS have been kept at 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 the State government, 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 km away from Shillong.
