TEHRAN –The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has signed memorandums of understanding with red crescent societies of 19 countries over the past three years to expand and enhance cooperation in humanitarian as well as rescue and relief operations.

The IRCS has been always among the first societies to dispatch rescue forces and provide relief services in both national and international hazards, the IRCS website quoted Razieh Alishvandi, the IRCS director for international affairs, as saying.

The IRCS looks forward to boosting cooperation with other societies to promote awareness, resilience, and capabilities of the societies in confrontation with disasters and the provision of relief services.

IRCS is a top organization

In May, Pirhossein Kolivand, head of the IRCS, said the IRCS is recognized as one of the five prominent societies worldwide thanks to its wide range of activities and great achievements both nationally and internationally.

He made the remarks on the occasion of the World Red Cross Day which is celebrated on May 8.

He highlighted the capabilities, dedication, and selflessness of the IRCS women, who work hard in different sectors.

The official went on to elaborate on the IRCS’s effectiveness.

A total of 300 ambulances and 600 rescue vehicles have been purchased. It is planned to add 1,500 more rescue vehicles to the IRCS fleet, Kolivand stated.

Equipping mountain rescue bases, providing insurance for rescuers, and increasing their incomes were among the other measures to enhance the services.

“The Iranian Red Crescent Society has also been active and successful in international missions like helping earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey which made the organization receive the Turkish government’s award for its sacrifice and help,” he further noted.

The official attributed the organization’s achievements to the unwavering dedication of volunteers, whose number has already reached 3 million.

Initiatives to develop and empower Crescent houses in remote, deprived areas and enhance prevention and education programs are other parts of the society’s effort to expand its services.

In this regard, some programs and maneuvers are put on the agenda to be conducted during the week, Kolivand noted.

The IRCS offers public education and relief services courses in universities, schools, seminaries, and barracks to improve the whole society’s resilience in the face of disasters.

Health, treatment, and rehabilitation are another part of the IRCS activities, the IRCS hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics meet the medical and therapeutic needs of thousands of citizens every day.

The IRCS medical centers abroad are reputable worldwide. Soon, the Red Crescent Medical Center will be opened in Tajikistan.

As a humanitarian organization, the IRCS is trying to alleviate the suffering of the people involved in accidents, emergencies, and conflicts.

Referring to cooperation with knowledge-based companies, Kolivand said, “Today, collaborations with knowledge-based firms have resulted in advancements in manufacturing orthoses, prostheses, artificial organs, and new medications, with plans to extend cooperation to rescue and relief efforts as well.

MT/MG