Union health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday said that Indian Red Cross Society will get taxation protection to continue its good work. Inaugurating the Annual General meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society, IRCS in New Delhi, Mr. Azad said a Bill has been passed in Parliament which will cover organisations like IRCS that will enable them to spend funds outside India to help vulnerable people. The Minister informed that necessary notification will be issued soon by the Finance Ministry in this regard. Mr. Azad said that President Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, who is also President of the IRCS has approved uniform rules for the State and distinct branches and these rules have been implemented in almost all the branches.

Applauding the work of IRCS during disasters and flood, the Minister emphasized the need for inclusion of latest training modules so that First Aid providers are better informed and equipped.