About Us

About Our Organisation

The Indian Red Cross Society, Kundapura Branch, has been a beacon of humanitarian service since its establishment in 2010. As a local branch of the globally respected Red Cross movement, our mission is to promote health, alleviate human suffering, and respond to the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

With a focus on community health, education, and disaster response, we have grown into a trusted pillar of support for the people of Kundapura Taluk and beyond. Through blood donation drives, health camps, first aid training, and access to affordable medicines via the Janaushadhi Kendra, we strive to build a healthier, more resilient society.

Our commitment to serving the underprivileged and supporting critical healthcare needs continues to drive our efforts as we expand our reach across the Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.

Our Journey So Far

2010

Foundation Laid

Kundapura Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society was established, laying the foundation for community-focused humanitarian efforts.

2015

Blood Centre Inauguration

Inaugurated a Blood Centre, ensuring a steady supply of safe blood and platelets for critical care.

2017

Affordable Healthcare Access

Launched the Janaushadhi Kendra, providing affordable medicines to 300-400 patients daily.

2020

COVID-19 Response & Relief

Stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Operated a Covid Care Centre in association with the District Administration.
Distributed meals, food kits, and essential medical equipment like ventilators and oxygen concentrators to hospitals.
Established an Oxygen Centre for free oxygen concentrator support.

Youth Engagement & Education

Youth Red Cross & Junior Red Cross: Actively engaging schools and colleges to promote social responsibility, first aid skills, and community awareness.

Awards & Recognition

Honored with the Best Taluk Branch Award by His Excellency, the Governor of Karnataka, from 2014-15 to 2018-19 a testament to our dedication and service excellence.

Our Vision for the Future

Establish a Home for Senior Citizens in Vakwadi Village.

Land: 1.5 acres purchased.
Estimated Project Cost: ₹8 crores.
Planned Facilities: 28 rooms, dining hall, wash room, library, indoor recreational area, guest room and community spaces.

Expand our reach and impact through sustained community initiatives in health, education, and social welfare.

Chairman’s Message

We are proud to have our 15th AGM on 27-09-2024. We have come a very long way from 2010, when we held our first AGM. Despite initial hiccups, we have made tremendous progress. We are following the principles of the Red Cross in letter and spirit.

Our Blood Centre, now in its 10th year of operation, has become one of the leading blood centers in the Udupi District. Annually, we conduct 80 to 90 blood donation camps in Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. This year, we are likely to reach 100 camps. We are utilizing the Blood Collection Van for conducting smaller camps.

We have tried our best to provide platelets for Dengue patients and ensured that there is no shortage of platelets for the treatment of Dengue patients, though we are not getting any assistance from the Government. We issue blood components to patients of Government hospitals at a 50% concession as a social responsibility. We are even paying the ground rent to the Government hospital.

Our Janaushadhi Kendra is attracting a large number of patients, and we continue to be one of the leading Kendras in the State. In spite of opening one more Kendra in Kundapura, our market share has not come down. Any surplus available for the operation of the Janaushadhi Kendra is utilized for the society in the form of various services to people. We have been distributing suvida pads to various Government schools and hospitals.

The Oxygen Centre provides free oxygen concentrators for the needy, ensuring full demand coverage.

The free ECG centres have saved precious lives by providing timely cardiologists’ advice.

This year, we also adopted 15 TB patients and provided them food kits as recommended by the Health Department for a period of six months, at a total cost of Rs. 90,000/-.

Our taluk witnessed a lot of damage to houses, crops, etc., due to heavy rains and floods. We provided timely help by supplying food kits, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, etc., which we handed over to the Tahsildar for distribution to the victims.

We have undertaken many service projects during the year under review, with special attention to the specially-abled persons.

Our Management Committee has decided to establish a Home for Senior Citizens, which is our dream project. Our efforts to get 2 acres of land allotted by the Government have not yielded any result even after 4 years. Therefore, it was decided to purchase one acre of land, located at a distance of about 9 km from the Blood Centre. In the near future, the land will be purchased, and the work will start. This would be a prestigious project with a financial outlay of about ₹4 crores. We need the support of our members for the implementation of this project.

During the year, we have received a mobile blood collection van from the National Headquarters, which has been put to proper use. We thank the National Headquarters for this gesture.

Our thanks are also due to the State Branch and District Branch for their guidance, support, and cooperation.

We place on record our sincere thanks to all the Management Committee members, sponsors, all the members, and staff for their unstinting support and cooperation.

Management Committee

Our Management Committee comprises experienced leaders who guide the organization’s strategic direction and ensure smooth operations. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and innovation, the committee plays a vital role in decision-making and long-term planning.