RSU finalises five-year cooperation agreement with the Red Cross

On 5 September, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) signed a cooperation agreement with its long-term partner – the Latvian Red Cross. Thanks to this cooperation, the RSU Red Cross Medical College is entitled to use the internationally recognised emblem and the name of the Red Cross.

Director of the RSU Red Cross Medical College Ināra Upmale, RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons and Chairman of the Board at the Latvian Red Cross Uldis Līkops

‘It is no secret that the RSU Red Cross Medical College is one of the best medical colleges in our country.

I am glad that the college will have the opportunity to continue working with the same energy and professionalism in the future, thanks to the continued cooperation between RSU and the Latvian Red Cross,’ said RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons at the signing of the cooperation agreement.

Uldis Līkops, Chairman of the Board at the Latvian Red Cross, appreciates the cooperation that the two institutions have had over the past years. During this time, students from both the RSU Red Cross Medical College and various RSU faculties have come to the Red Cross to undergo their placements. The cooperation agreement stipulates that not only the Latvian Red Cross, but also the RSU Red Cross Medical College may use the international Red Cross emblem. ‘Although the majority of people associate the red coloured cross with medical and healthcare organisations and institutions, it was actually created in 1863 as a reverse of the Swiss flag for the needs of a single organisation, the Red Cross. It is not allowed to be used in other cases,’ Līkops explains.

‘Thanks to this cooperation agreement, the RSU Red Cross Medical College are authorised to use both the emblem and the name.’

Ināra Upmale, Director of the RSU Red Cross Medical College, was also present as the agreement was signed: ‘I am honoured to be able to lead the oldest national medical institution in Latvia, which was originally called the Latvian Red Cross Merciful Nursing School in the 1920s. The building that is still used for the college at 5 Jāņa Asara iela, was built in 1936. Teaching at this medical education institution did not cease even during the Second World War.’

The RSU Red Cross Medical College, which celebrated its tenth anniversary three years ago, provides highly qualified medical education by offering four first-level professional higher education programmes, vocational training, and professional secondary education programmes. The College provides medical education to around 650 students each year and receives funding from the state budget.

The College is proud of its name and throughout its existence has adhered to the core values symbolised by the Red Cross and embodied by Sisters of Mercy: justice, courage, intellect, modesty and mercy.

The previous agreement between RSU and the Latvian Red Cross was valid for 10 years, and the successful cooperation will continue without change.