TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the city of Yerevan have agreed to establish a joint clinic and develop a joint manufacturing plan for prosthetic limbs.
IRCS Director General Pirhossein Kolivand and Yerevan City Foreign Affairs Director David Gevorgyan met in Tehran on Wednesday. According to the IRCS website, during the meeting, Gevorgyan asked IRCS to finalize the plan to build the medical center so that the project can be started in cooperation with the Armenian Red Cross Society.
The official praised IRCS’ actions and said that Armenians will never forget IRCS’ aid and support during the earthquake that hit the country in 1998. Referring to conflicts and humanitarian measures in the Middle East, Mr. Gevorgyan highlighted the important role of IRCS in providing humanitarian assistance and delivering humanitarian aid in the region.
Mr. Colliband explained the high level of competence of IRCS, noting that IRCS is known as one of the world’s five prominent Red Crescent Societies. The official expressed readiness to establish a joint medical center to produce prosthetics and Iranian medicines.
IRCS strengthens Kenya’s health services
On November 19, IRCS launched several health projects at medical centers in Kenya.
“The Iranian Health Center in Kenya has developed steadily over time,” Kolivand said at an online opening ceremony in Tehran.
The new projects include ophthalmology, obstetrics, gynecology and traditional medicine clinics. Currently, the Kenyan center offers a wide range of services including optometry, radiology, rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Kollivand further said that the expansion of medical centers abroad is aimed at alleviating human suffering and expanding health equity across borders.
With support from the ICRC, IRCS stands ready to share its expertise
In May, Corrivand announced its readiness to share its scientific and educational experience and operational expertise with other Red Crescent Societies, with a donation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
IRCS is keen to share its expertise in a variety of areas, including diagnosing individuals with mobility disabilities through screening, providing rehabilitation services, and training individuals living in mine-affected areas how to identify and avoid landmine hazards, Kolliband said.
The official made the remarks during a meeting with NAME (North Africa and the Middle East) Director of Operations Nicholas von Arkes and Iran ICRC Representative Vincent Cassar.
Mr. Colliband also called on the ICRC to hold a convention to commemorate the life-saving efforts of the International Rescue Team members who lost their lives, and proposed that the convention be held. He said the ICRC would motivate the Red Crescent Societies by supporting their response and humanitarian efforts.
Regarding unilateral sanctions, the official said, “We look forward to the International Committee of the Red Cross playing its role in facilitating the import of medicines and medical equipment by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.”
The official went on to ask the ICRC to equip Red Crescent helicopters with night vision cameras to improve rescue operations.
MT/MG