Japan Extends Grant Aid for Improvement of Medical Equipment in Advanced Public Hospitals

(Kathmandu, April 26^th): The Government of Japan extends grant assistance of up to nine hundred and ninety-six million Japanese Yen (¥996,000,000), equivalent to about NRs. 1,096 million to the Government of Nepal for the project to improve Medical Equipment in Eight  Advanced Public Hospitals in Nepal.
 
His Excellency, Mr. KIKUTA Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Mr. Sishir Kumar Dhungana, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, signed notes to this effect at the Ministry of Finance on Monday, April 26^th.
 
The project aims to strengthen both diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by procuring medical equipment, providing consulting services, and undertaking renovation and maintenance services at eight public hospitals.
 
In Nepal, health care system is weak while NCDs, such as cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are serious problem.  Patients with underlying diseases of NCDs are at higher risk of becoming in critical condition once they are infected with COVID-19 which currently prevails in the world. Against this background, the enhancement of diagnostic and therapeutic services for NCDs in public hospitals has become more important and urgent than ever.
 
However, medical equipment for treating NCDs in Nepal’s public hospitals is often insufficient or out-dated due to lack of financial resources for replacements. The Government of Nepal has prioritized treatment of NCDs, especially in public hospitals which many people can afford medical treatment. 
 
The institutions to be supported are the Human Organ Transplant Center; Patan Hospital; Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital; National Trauma Center; Bir Hospital; Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre; Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center; and Kanti Children’s Hospital.
 
The Embassy of Japan expects this assistance will be beneficial for Nepali people to obtain better medical treatments at public hospitals within the country. The Embassy also hopes this support will contribute towards further strengthening the relationship, friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Japan and Nepal.