A grant contract has been signed between the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives and Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) for the provision of an elderly support transportation vehicle.
The grant contract for “The Project for the Provision of Elderly Support Transportation Vehicle in Male’ City” under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) was signed between Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, and Ahmed Shabin, Secretary General of MRC.
 
Under this project, the Government of Japan will provide a grant of USD 65,784 for the procurement of a specially equipped vehicle to support the transportation of elderly persons, including those with mobility difficulties, in Male’ City.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Ishigami said vehicle will make travel easier for the elderly. As the elderly population in the Maldives continues to increase, ensuring access to medical services has become an important priority, she noted, adding that the vehicle is expected to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable elderly persons and also reduce the burden on emergency transport services.
Representing MRC, Shabin said the project will improve mobility and access to healthcare services, particularly for elderly people who often face difficulties in accessing health services, and social participation. The new vehicle will provide safer and more timely transport options for elderly individuals, he added.
Maldives Red Crescent’s patient transport service will be further expanded under the project. Efforts are also being made to enhance emergency response operations.