The Iranian Red Crescent Society's Health Center (IRCS) in Ghana organized the first advanced life support course for nurses in this African country. The goal of this course is to strengthen their ability to respond effectively to emergency medical situations.
According to information from the IRCS website, in addition to providing medical services, the center aims to develop educational infrastructure and raise the knowledge level of medical personnel through experience exchange. Furthermore, IRCS conducts online training and practical seminars at the center to ensure continuous specialized training and allow medical staff to fully utilize the knowledge and capabilities of IRCS.
The initiative is aimed not only at medical personnel but also includes training the local population. The program focuses on teaching first aid and basic life-saving skills, preparing people for unexpected emergencies and teaching them effective response to a wide range of injuries. In case of an incident, trained individuals can provide assistance to victims in the critical first seconds before medical teams arrive.
Medical Services in Ghana
In August, the IRCS Health Center in Ghana held a one-day medical camp that provided free medical services to flood victims and those in need, covering 547 people. This action was taken following floods in the city of Accra and at the request of the Ministry of Internal Urban and Regional Development.
Hamidreza Dehkhan, an IRCS staff member, reported that the Iranian Red Crescent Society Health Center was deployed to provide free medical care to those in need. He specified that 547 people utilized the medical services during this one-day medical visit.
The services provided included general practitioner consultations, medication distribution, pharmacy services, testing in a mobile laboratory, and counseling on obstetrics and hygiene. Dehkhan emphasized that IRCS humanitarian activities are not limited by geographical boundaries.
He added that the presence of Iranian Red Crescent Society Health Centers in various countries demonstrates the organization's humanitarian approach to meeting the needs of local communities, which prioritizes human dignity, helping the needy, and alleviating suffering. Dehkhan specifically noted that providing free medical services to those in need through such programs is an example of altruism and humanitarian responsibility, showing that serving humanity beyond geographical borders is one of IRCS's most important missions.
Referring to the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, he mentioned that seven fundamental principles include humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Implementing healthcare programs in underdeveloped areas represents a practical embodiment of these principles in service delivery.
He stressed that IRCS's key approach in its international activities is to simultaneously focus on treatment, prevention, and public health promotion. Dehkhan stated that organizing medical camps, alongside the current activities of Red Crescent health centers, contributes to vulnerable groups' access to medical and consultative services.
Pointing to the activities of the IRCS Health Center in Ghana, Dehkhan noted that the continuous presence of IRCS centers in African countries is part of the Society's humanitarian mission internationally, based on serving humanity and promoting the improvement of local community health.