Srinagar, Aug 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu and Kashmir UT, and reviewed its functioning, ongoing activities and future plans.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, General Secretary of IRCS J&K Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, Deputy Commissioners who head district Red Cross units, and other officials.

Sinha directed Deputy Commissioners to strengthen resource mobilisation and identify new ways to generate funds for expanding humanitarian and welfare initiatives. He also called for district-wise annual activity plans that clearly identify priority areas and proposed interventions.

Emphasising greater public outreach, the Lieutenant Governor asked the Red Cross Society to expand its services in far-flung and border areas. He suggested exploring diagnostic centres in remote locations where residents face difficulties accessing hospitals and basic healthcare facilities.

Sinha also stressed the need for coordinated efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, with greater focus on identification, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up at the grassroots level.

He called for stronger anti-drug initiatives and urged the society to contribute towards the goal of a Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir.

The meeting also reviewed budget estimates, audit matters, medical officer appointments at blood banks and diagnostic centres, and district-level activities. Deputy Commissioners shared details of work undertaken in their districts and offered suggestions to improve the society’s reach and functioning.