RED CROSS SOCIETY

RED CROSS SOCIETY

Subject : Current Events

Context : The Red Cross Society of China has sent 100 oxygen concentrators, 40 ventilators and some other medical supplies to the Indian Red Cross Society as COVID-19 assistance.

Concept :

• World Red Cross day is observed on May 8 on the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• Henry Dunant was also the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.
• The main aim of the Red Cross Society is basically to inspire, initiate and encourage all kinds of humanitarian activities under all times and circumstances.
• Programmes conducted by the Red Cross Society can be broadly categorised into four parts including the promotion of humanitarian principles and values; disaster response; disaster preparedness; and health and care.
• The Red Cross Society is based on 7 principles namely, humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary, unity and universality.

Indian Red Cross Society

• IRCS is a voluntary humanitarian organization to protect human life and health with the help of its network of over 1100 branches throughout India.
• It was established in 1920 and has completed its 100 years of existence.
• It is a part of the largest independent humanitarian organisation in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
• Its mission is to provide relief at the time of disasters/emergencies and also promotes healthcare facilities among vulnerable people and communities.
• The President of India is the President and the Union Health Minister is the Chairman of the Society.