NT BUZZ
A group of 53 nursing students from the Institute of Nursing Education, Bambolim, accompanied by two faculty members, visited the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Goa State Branch, at its headquarters in Panaji recently to learn about its humanitarian activities, healthcare initiatives and community service programmes.
The students were addressed by general secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Goa State Branch, John Aguiar, who briefed the students on the history,
mission, organisational structure and fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement. He explained various community-oriented initiatives, including voluntary blood donation camps, medical camps, health awareness programmes, first-aid training, disaster preparedness and healthcare services for the public undertaken by the Goa State Branch.
Emphasising the importance of the nursing profession, Aguiar said that nursing was not merely a profession but a commitment to humanity.
He urged the students to combine professional competence and technical knowledge with compassion, patience, empathy and respect for
human dignity.
He stressed on the importance of voluntary blood donation, encouraging the future nursing professionals to promote awareness about safe blood donation and dispel misconceptions surrounding it. He also highlighted the significance of first-aid knowledge, emergency preparedness and coordinated action during disasters and medical emergencies.
Aguiar encouraged the students to participate in Red Cross community outreach programmes and disaster
preparedness initiatives.
Counsellor with the Red Cross Society, Shiksha Hooda Madotra, briefed the students on psychosocial development, explaining its relevance to understanding human behaviour, emotional well-being and social relationships, particularly in the context of patient care and
nursing practice.
