- Mobile Health Unit to Expand Early Diagnosis and Basic Healthcare Access for 20,000 Vulnerable People Annually
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has approved grant assistance of ¥21 million (approximately US$142,500) to the Dopasi Foundation under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) screening and improve access to basic healthcare services for vulnerable communities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Chakwal.
The grant agreement was signed on September 1, 2026, at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad by Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan AKAMATSU Shuichi and a representative of the Dopasi Foundation.
The project, titled “The Project for the Procurement of Equipment and Vehicle for Tuberculosis Screening in Two Districts of Punjab Province and Islamabad City,” is aimed at facilitating early diagnosis of tuberculosis and improving access to essential health services for communities facing barriers to conventional healthcare facilities.
Mobile Health Unit to Take Screening Services to Underserved Communities
Under the project, the Dopasi Foundation will deploy a fully equipped Mobile Health Unit across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Chakwal.
The mobile facility will provide digital chest radiography, tuberculosis screening, family planning counselling and basic health examinations, particularly targeting marginalised communities, including daily wage workers, women and families with limited access to healthcare.
The Dopasi Foundation, a humanitarian organisation with more than 200 staff members, has worked extensively to address the needs of underprivileged communities in Pakistan and has gradually expanded its healthcare programmes across the country.
Japanese Companies Bring AI-Based Screening Technology
The project will also benefit from technical support provided by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in collaboration with Fujifilm.
The companies are supporting the development of a specially equipped Land Cruiser fitted with a compact X-ray system and artificial intelligence technology designed to assist in TB screening. They will also establish a local maintenance mechanism to support the vehicle and equipment’s sustainable operation.
In addition, Toyota Tsusho and Fujifilm will provide technical training to ensure that healthcare personnel can effectively and sustainably operate the advanced screening equipment.
Project Expected to Screen 20,000 People Annually
The initiative is expected to provide high-quality medical screening to approximately 20,000 people every year, helping reduce the burden of communicable diseases and overcoming healthcare access barriers faced by vulnerable households.
By enabling early detection and treatment, the project is also expected to help prevent severe illness, reduce catastrophic healthcare expenditures and strengthen the long-term socio-economic resilience of vulnerable families.
Ambassador AKAMATSU Highlights Japan’s Human Security Approach
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi said that human security begins with protecting every individual life, describing the principle as a cornerstone of Japan’s development cooperation.
He stressed that access to early diagnosis and essential healthcare services was directly linked to saving lives and reducing the vulnerability of families.
The ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Pakistan through partnerships with capable local non-governmental organisations under the GGP programme.
As a longstanding friend and development partner of Pakistan, the Government of Japan will continue supporting initiatives aimed at advancing human security and improving the quality of life of vulnerable communities.
The project is expected to further strengthen the longstanding Japan-Pakistan friendship while contributing to improved healthcare access and disease prevention among underserved populations.
BY: The Times Union
