Sudam Babu | Bureau Chief Odisha

Bhubaneswar, September 25, 2026: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has called for a sustained statewide campaign to improve public understanding of thalassemia and ensure that people living with the condition, particularly those who have not yet been diagnosed, are identified and connected with appropriate healthcare support.

The Governor made the remarks while chairing an Executive Committee meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch (IRCS-OSB), at Lok Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

During the meeting, Dr. Kambhampati stressed that awareness about thalassemia should be treated as a continuous public health effort rather than being restricted to particular awareness days or short-term campaigns. He encouraged the Odisha Red Cross to develop programmes that can reach communities across both urban centres and rural areas.

He also highlighted the importance of identifying individuals who may be living with thalassemia without a confirmed diagnosis. According to the Governor, stronger awareness efforts could encourage people to seek medical guidance at an earlier stage and help connect those requiring assistance with the appropriate healthcare services.

Focus on Wider Community Outreach

The Governor urged the IRCS-OSB to expand its awareness activities throughout the state and strengthen coordination with the healthcare system. Better cooperation between awareness organisations and medical institutions could help people understand when they should seek professional advice and where appropriate services are available.

Dr. Kambhampati also called for greater participation from corporate organisations in humanitarian and healthcare initiatives. He suggested that the Red Cross explore additional opportunities through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes to support its activities in Odisha.

Such partnerships could provide additional resources for healthcare, humanitarian assistance and social welfare programmes while expanding the organisation’s reach among vulnerable communities.

Regular Review of Red Cross Activities

The Governor further suggested that the Executive Committee of the Odisha State Branch should meet at least three times every year. Regular meetings, he said, would provide an opportunity to review ongoing programmes, examine their implementation and follow up on decisions taken previously.

A structured review mechanism could also help the organisation identify areas requiring additional attention and improve the delivery of its programmes across the state.

Special Training for Volunteers Serving Senior Citizens

Another important issue discussed during the meeting was the need to strengthen support for elderly people. Dr. Kambhampati recommended specialised training for Red Cross volunteers involved in assisting senior citizens.

The proposed training would help volunteers develop a better understanding of the needs of older people and provide appropriate assistance, care and humanitarian support.

The Governor also suggested that the organisation seek the necessary government approvals and explore cooperation with the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for initiatives related to senior citizens.

He emphasised that coordination between government agencies, voluntary organisations and other stakeholders could make programmes for elderly citizens more effective and accessible.

Governor Appreciates Red Cross Humanitarian Work

Dr. Kambhampati praised the humanitarian work carried out by the Indian Red Cross Society in Odisha and described the organisation’s role as important in assisting people during difficult circumstances and supporting vulnerable sections of society.

He encouraged the Odisha branch to further expand its humanitarian activities and strengthen the volunteer network across the state. Greater involvement of young people, he noted, could also help ensure that Red Cross services reach communities in need more efficiently.

The Executive Committee meeting reviewed various ongoing and proposed activities of the IRCS-OSB and discussed measures aimed at strengthening its humanitarian, healthcare and social welfare outreach.

Senior officials representing the Health and Family Welfare, Higher Education, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water departments participated in the meeting along with members of the IRCS-OSB Executive Committee and officials from other concerned departments.

Honorary Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society, Odisha State Branch, Ganesh Chandra Patra, presented a detailed report on the organisation’s activities during the meeting.