February 14, 2013
Japan’s Assistance for the Project for the Improvement of Diabetic Medical Service Provision for the Urban Poor
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The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of 43,592 US Dollars; equivalent to approximately 3,718,397.6 Nepalese Rupees to the Nepal Diabetes Society in the Kathmandu District. This financial assistance is extended under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme of the Government of Japan in Japan's Fiscal Year 2012. Nepal Diabetes Society will implement the Project for the Improvement of the Diabetic Medical Service Provision for the Urban Poor.
The Grant Contract relating to this project was signed and exchanged today between His Excellency Mr. Kunio TAKAHASHI, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Mr. Rajani Nath Pyakurel, Acting President of Nepal Diabetes Society.
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder and a common chronic disease in many countries. In Nepal, it is said that more than 400,000 people suffer from this disease and the number of patients is increasing gradually. Diabetes is often considered as a “Rich Man’s disease” because it is closely linked to life style and diet but in the context of urban Nepal, the prevalence of this disease is not always limited to the rich, especially in and around Kathmandu. Due to the widespread poverty and the serious influence of the prolonged armed conflict, many rural people have flown into the Kathmandu valley. These people have no choice but to adjust to urbanized eating habits, such as consuming more junk food and snacks. As a result, these people ruin their health and develop diseases including diabetes.
Nepal Diabetes Society (NDS) is a non-governmental organization based in Jamal, Kathmandu. Since its establishment in 1991, the organization has been working to raise awareness among the general public. The NGO also runs a clinic, which provides patients with medical services such as consultation with experts (Cardiologists, Nephrologists, Physicians and Endocrinologists), and basic tests at a moderate price. The doctors are engaged in this clinic’s activities besides their regular work. Therefore, this clinic has been established its own operational system to optimize their limited resources since 2004, To date, this clinic has provided its service to a total of 3,200 people and most of them are from economically marginalized backgrounds. According to the organization, cardiac problems are seen in 60-70% of the patients who visit this clinic. Therefore, the installment of a cardiac echo machine has been an urgent need for this clinic.
To address these issues, the organization will utilize the grant exclusively to install one Color Doppler Echocardiography Machine and one Slit Lamp (with table), which is other high priority piece of equipment for diabetic diagnosis as diabetic patients are prone to retinopathy. This project is expected to benefit more than 150 people annually based on current operational system.
Speaking at the function, H.E. Mr. Kunio TAKAHASHI expressed his belief that the project signed today will contribute to supporting the health of urban poor people, and he is confident that this grant will play a significant role in further strengthening the cordial and friendly relationship between Japan and Nepal.
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