IRCS and Yerevan Municipality Join Forces to Launch Innovative Medical Center
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is making significant strides in expanding its humanitarian services, particularly through a newly announced partnership with the Municipality of Yerevan. This collaboration is set to establish a joint medical clinic focused on manufacturing artificial limb prostheses. Such initiatives are not only vital for enhancing medical services but also underscore the IRCS’s commitment to humanitarian aid in the region.
In a recent meeting held in Tehran, Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the IRCS, met with David Gevorgyan, the head of the Municipality of Yerevan’s foreign relations department. The discussions centered around finalizing plans for the construction of the medical center, which will operate in cooperation with the Armenian Red Cross Society.
“Armenians will never forget the IRCS’s help and support during the devastating earthquake in 1998,” Gevorgyan remarked, highlighting the historical significance of the IRCS’s humanitarian efforts. He also pointed to the vital role the IRCS plays in providing aid in various conflicts and humanitarian crises across the Middle East.
Kolivand emphasized the IRCS’s status as one of the five most prominent Red Crescent societies globally. He expressed readiness to collaborate on establishing the joint medical center, aimed at producing prostheses and Iranian medicines, thereby enhancing healthcare access in the region.
IRCS Expands Medical Services in Kenya
On November 19, the IRCS inaugurated several health projects at its medical center located in Kenya. Kolivand stated during the online inauguration ceremony, “The Iranian health center in Kenya has steadily developed over time.” The expansion includes:
- Departments of ophthalmology
- Departments of obstetrics and gynecology
- A traditional medicine clinic
The center now offers a wide range of services, including optometry, radiology, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. This expansion aims to alleviate human suffering and promote health equity across borders, Kolivand added.
Sharing Expertise with the International Community
In May, Kolivand announced the IRCS’s readiness to share its scientific and educational expertise with other Red Crescent societies, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The IRCS is eager to contribute in several key areas:
- Diagnosing individuals with mobility issues through screening
- Providing rehabilitation services
- Training individuals in landmine-affected areas on how to identify and avoid mine hazards
These remarks were made during a meeting with Nicolas Von Arx, Director of Operations for the North African and Middle East region, and Vincent Cassard, the ICRC representative in Iran. Kolivand also proposed hosting a congress to honor international rescuers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, emphasizing the importance of boosting motivation among humanitarian organizations.
Furthermore, Kolivand expressed the IRCS’s hope that the ICRC would assist in facilitating the import of medicine and medical equipment, especially in light of unilateral sanctions impacting the region. He also suggested equipping Red Crescent helicopters with night vision cameras to enhance their operational capabilities during rescue missions.
The IRCS’s ongoing commitment to expanding healthcare services and sharing expertise reflects its dedication to humanitarian principles and collaboration in the face of global challenges. As the organization continues to develop its capabilities, it stands ready to support communities in need, both locally and internationally.
With these initiatives, the IRCS not only strengthens its own position but also contributes significantly to regional health equity and humanitarian support, helping to forge stronger ties with neighboring countries like Armenia and beyond.
