Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the 10th anniversary celebration of the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) on Thursday, marking a decade of humanitarian service across the country.
The Bhutan Red Cross Society was established under the Bhutan Red Cross Society Act 2016 as an autonomous, non-profit voluntary organisation serving as an auxiliary to the government in humanitarian work. Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen oversaw the establishment of the organisation and has continued to guide it as its President.
Since its formation, the BRCS has gained international recognition as a National Society by the International Committee of the Red Cross and was admitted to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Over the past decade, the organisation has expanded its presence nationwide, building a network of nearly 7,000 volunteers and members across all dzongkhags. Its work has focused on disaster management, healthcare support, and social services.
Among its notable contributions is the rehabilitation of the Thimphu cremation ground and assistance provided by Red Cross volunteers to bereaved families. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the BRCS played a major role in the national response by delivering medicines and essential supplies to communities during lockdowns.
In recognition of its humanitarian services during the pandemic, His Majesty The King awarded the Bhutan Red Cross Society the National Order of Merit Gold during the 114th National Day celebrations in 2021.
During Thursday’s programme, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen launched the BRCS Development Plan II for 2026–2030, a five-year strategic roadmap aligned with Bhutan’s 13th Five Year Plan.
Her Majesty also launched the BRCS Branch Disaster Response Team programme, aimed at developing a National Disaster Response Team that meets international standards, and unveiled the uniforms for the programme.
The anniversary celebration also featured a photo exhibition titled “United in Humanity,” showcasing a decade of the Bhutan Red Cross Society’s humanitarian work and outreach across the country.