ISLAMABAD: The government of Japan has announced a grant of $65,470 (around Rs18 million) to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to enhance blood donation services in the capital region.The grant is being provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme to support a project aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the PRCS Regional Blood Donation Centre in Islamabad.
The grant agreement was signed on March 6 at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad between Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, and representatives of PRCS.
The project, titled “The Project for the Refurbishment of Second-hand Blood Donation Vehicle for the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Regional Blood Donation Center,” will enable the organisation to improve blood collection and supply for vulnerable patients and emergency cases.
Founded in 1947, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is a leading humanitarian organisation in Pakistan, working nationwide in disaster management, health services and community support. Its Regional Blood Donation Centre in Islamabad relies entirely on voluntary, non-remunerated donors and has gradually increased its annual blood collection over the past decade.
However, limited outreach capacity and operational challenges have restricted its ability to meet the growing demand for safe blood.
Under the grant, PRCS will procure a refurbished second-hand blood donation vehicle from Japan. The vehicle will allow the organisation to organise blood donation drives at universities, workplaces, mosques and other public spaces across Islamabad and surrounding areas.
According to PRCS officials, the project is expected to increase blood collection capacity by about 30 per cent and help save the lives of nearly 12,000 patients suffering from conditions such as thalassemia, hemophilia and cancer, as well as victims of road traffic accidents.
It will also enhance preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies requiring urgent blood supplies.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu said human security begins with protecting every individual life, which forms the foundation of Japan’s assistance policy.“Securing blood stocks is directly linked to saving lives and improving access to medical treatment,” he said.
The Japanese government reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting capable local organisations in Pakistan through grant assistance programmes aimed at promoting human security and strengthening humanitarian services.
