Japan hands over four ambulances to Pakistan Red Crescent Society

Also funded training of staff to operate the fully equipped vehicles

ISLAMABAD: The government of Japan has donated four fully equipped ambulances to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to enhance the operational and outreach capacity of the organisation in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the wake of unexpected calamities and emergencies.

Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda handed over these ambulances to PRCS, one of the largest humanitarian organisations working in Pakistan, at a handing over ceremony at the PRCS headquarter in Islamabad.

Ambassador Matsuda, PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony.

Japan had provided financial assistance of $71,501 to PRCS last year for the transportation of four ambulances from Japan to Pakistan, installation of emergency and first aid equipment and training of PRCS staff.

The purpose of this project is to enhance the outreach capacity of PRCS in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the wake of unexpected emergencies.

While speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Matsuda congratulated the PRCS management for successful completion of the project.

He expressed his hope that addition of four new ambulances in the PRCS’ fleet will help the organisation to efficiently respond to any unexpected emergency in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and will reach the people who are in immediate need of first aid.

Japan will continue to support the people of Pakistan to improve their living standards, and help Pakistan in further strengthening its institutional capacity to cater needs in times of calamities, said Ambassador Matsuda.

PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi appreciated donation of four ambulances to PRCS by the government of Japan.

He added that the project will further enhance the operational capacity of PRCS in professional way. He also thanked the Embassy of Japan for extending the support in successful completion of the project. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2019.