ISLMABAD: The Japanese government has decided to provide four ambulances and financial assistance of $71,501 to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) aimed at enhancing its outreach capacity and coverage.

An agreement to this effect was signed here on Wednesday between Ambassador of Japan Takashi Kurai and PRCS Chairman, Dr Saeed Elahi, at a ceremony which was attended by Mayor of Islamabad Sheikh Anser Aziz.

Under the agreement, the Japanese government will donate four ambulances to PRCS to operate in the twin cities of the federal capital. In addition to the ambulances, a grant of $71,501 will be utilized for transportation cost of ambulances from Japan to Pakistan, their re-conditioning, installation of first aid equipment as well as training of PRCS staff in Islamabad.

These four re-conditioned and fully equipped ambulances will enhance PRCS outreach capacity and coverage in twin cities in the wake of unexpected calamities and emergencies.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Ambassador Kurai expressed the hope that the provision of four ambulances to the PRCS fleet would enable the organisation to even more quickly respond to emergencies and reach to the people who are in immediate need of first aid.

Japan will continue to support the people of Pakistan to improve their living standards, said Ambassador Kurai.

PRCS Chairman, Dr Saeed Elahi appreciated the assistance provided by the Japanese government for improving the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society. He thanked the Embassy of Japan for extending this helping hand to effectively address the calamities and emergencies in the twin cities.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2018