The Government of Japan has awarded a grant of USD 65,470 to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to refurbish a blood donation vehicle, aiming to increase blood collection capacity by 30% and save thousands of lives.
Islamabad – The Government of Japan has decided to provide grant assistance of USD 65,470 (approximately PKR 18 million) to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for a project aimed at enhancing blood donation services in the capital region.
The grant contract was signed on March 6, 2026, between H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and representatives of PRCS at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad.
The Project
The initiative, titled “The Project for the Refurbishment of Second-hand Blood Donation Vehicle for the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Regional Blood Donation Center,” falls under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program.
Through this grant, PRCS will procure and refurbish a second-hand blood donation vehicle from Japan. This mobile unit will enable the organization to conduct blood donation drives at universities, workplaces, public spaces, and mosques throughout Islamabad and surrounding regions.
Addressing a Critical Need
The PRCS Regional Blood Donation Centre in Islamabad relies exclusively on voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and has steadily increased its annual blood collection over the past decade. However, limited outreach capacity and operational challenges have constrained its ability to meet growing demand.
The new mobile unit is expected to increase blood collection capacity by approximately 30 percent, contributing to saving the lives of an estimated 12,000 patients annually—including those suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, cancer, and victims of road traffic accidents. It will also improve preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies.
Japan’s Commitment
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized the fundamental principle guiding Japan’s assistance policy.
“Human security begins with protecting each individual life,” he stated. “Securing blood stocks is directly linked to saving people’s lives and the better access to medical treatment.”
He reaffirmed Japan’s role as an enduring friend of Pakistan, stating that the Government of Japan will continue to support capable local NGOs through grant assistance to achieve human security in Pakistan. Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his hope that this project would reflect the strong and longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
About PRCS
Established in 1947, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is the leading humanitarian organization in Pakistan, operating nationwide in disaster management, health, and community services.
