Telangana Red Cross to Launch Statewide Drug Awareness Campaign After Dasara
Reviewing the implementation of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through a video conference with district Red Cross branch representatives at Lok Bhavan, Dana Kishore said Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla would formally launch the drug-free campaign in Telangana.
He asked district branches to organise awareness rallies, seminars in educational institutions, poster exhibitions, pledge-taking programmes and other outreach activities after Dasara to educate young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The campaigns should involve Junior and Youth Red Cross volunteers, the National Service Scheme, the National Cadet Corps, and Scouts and Guides.
District branches were also instructed to coordinate with university vice-chancellors and educational institutions to widen outreach and promote healthy lifestyles among young people.
Dana Kishore stressed that drug abuse had serious health, family and social consequences and called for sustained public participation to build a drug-free society.
He appreciated district branches for expanding Red Cross membership and urged them to utilise Bharat Scouts and Guides volunteers effectively in community activities.
Reviewing the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, he called for nutritional support to complement medical treatment for tuberculosis patients. District Red Cross units were asked to coordinate with District Medical and Health Officers and District TB Units to identify eligible patients requiring assistance.
He also urged branches to mobilise local donors, charitable organisations, voluntary groups and industries to provide nutritional kits or appropriate food assistance to patients in need. Transparent beneficiary identification, regular monitoring and coordination with health authorities were emphasised to ensure that support reached eligible recipients.
Dana Kishore directed district branches to prepare clear implementation plans for both campaigns and strengthen coordination with government departments, educational institutions, voluntary organisations and donors. He called for continuous monitoring of activities to improve their effectiveness.
Professor A. Sriramulu, General Secretary and CEO of the Telangana State Red Cross branch, and executive members of district Red Cross branches participated in the video conference and discussed proposed activities in their respective districts.
