Japan Grants Funding for Elderly Support Transport Vehicle in Malé

A grant contract has been signed between the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives and the Maldives Red Crescent for the provision of an elderly support transportation vehicle in Malé City.

The agreement for the Project for the Provision of Elderly Support Transportation Vehicle in Malé City was signed under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects. The contract was formalised between Ishigami Rumiko, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, and Ahmed Shabin, Secretary General of the Maldives Red Crescent.

Under the 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 Malé.

At the signing ceremony, the ambassador stated that the vehicle is expected to ease travel for elderly residents. With the elderly population in the Maldives increasing, access to medical services has become an important priority. The project is intended to improve healthcare access for vulnerable elderly individuals while reducing pressure on emergency transport services.

Representing the Maldives Red Crescent, the Secretary General stated that the initiative will strengthen mobility and access to healthcare, particularly for elderly people who face challenges in reaching medical facilities and participating in social activities. The new vehicle is expected to provide safer and more timely transport options.

The organisation’s patient transport service will be expanded under the project, alongside continued efforts to enhance emergency response operations.