Islamabad: The Government of Japan has committed a grant of USD 65,470 to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to bolster blood donation services in Islamabad. This initiative, part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, aims to refurbish a second-hand blood donation vehicle, enhancing the PRCS’s capacity to collect and supply safe blood to vulnerable patients and emergency cases.

According to Embassy of Japan In Pakistan, the grant contract was finalized at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, with His Excellency Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan, and representatives from PRCS in attendance. The project, named “The Project for the Refurbishment of Second-hand Blood Donation Vehicle for the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Regional Blood Donation Center,” is designed to address the limited outreach capacity and operational hurdles faced by the PRCS Regional Blood Donation Center.

Established in 1947, PRCS is a key humanitarian organization in Pakistan, focusing on disaster management, health, and community services. The center, which relies solely on voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, has seen an increase in blood collection over the past decade but continues to face challenges in meeting the rising demand. The refurbished vehicle from Japan will enable PRCS to conduct more blood donation drives across various locations in Islamabad and its surrounding areas, potentially increasing blood collection by 30 percent.

The enhancement is anticipated to benefit around 12,000 patients, including those suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, cancer, and victims of road traffic accidents, while also improving preparedness for natural disasters and emergencies. Ambassador Akamatsu highlighted the importance of human security and the role of secure blood stocks in saving lives, underlining the fundamental principles of Japan’s assistance policy.

The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting local NGOs in Pakistan through grant assistance, reinforcing the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations.