Kathmandu: The Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) is marking its Inception Day with a series of programs under the theme ‘In Support of Humanity’. Established on September 4, 1963, the NRCS was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1964 and became affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the same year. Over the years, NRCS has expanded its reach across Nepal, with District Chapters in each of the country’s 77 districts.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the NRCS supports its District Chapters with 1,554 Sub-Chapters and over 153 Co-operation Committees. The organization relies heavily on the involvement of students and youth volunteers from 6,538 Junior and Youth Red Cross Circles across schools and communities. Dharmadatta Bidari, NRCS’s Officiating Executive Director, highlighted that more than 1.1 million volunteers are actively engaged in the society’s humanitarian initiatives.
Bidari emphasized the NRCS’s commitment to activities such as organizational and youth development, disaster management, community development, and the promotion of humanitarian values. Last year, NRCS distributed relief to 4,906 families affected by natural disasters and provided cash assistance totaling over Rs 122 million to 5,033 families for various disaster-related needs.
The NRCS has prepared for emergencies by storing rescue and relief materials in multiple warehouses across the country. It operates blood transfusion services in 120 locations within 73 districts, collecting nearly 295,000 units of blood and providing over 400,000 units to patients. The Central Blood Transfusion Service in Kathmandu, supported by the Thai Red Cross, is a key facility for these operations.
Additionally, NRCS runs 242 ambulances from 196 locations, aiding around 86,400 individuals last year. First aid activities have directly benefited 3,012 people this year alone. The society also provides eye care services to over 295,500 individuals through its hospitals and community centers, contributing significantly to public health in Nepal.