The Japanese government has provided Rs. 400 million worth medical equipment to strengthen Sri Lanka's health services and COVID-19 response, the Japanese Embassy in Colombo said.
The stock of essential medical equipment procured through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was presented to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella by Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki yesterday (19).
The medical equipment includes ventilators, ICU beds, blood gas analyzers, real time PCR machine, automated RNA/DNA extractor, and ultra-low temperature freezers, which are to be distributed to base hospitals in Teldeniya, Warakapola, Welikanda, Pimbura, Nawalapitiya, Hingurakgoda, Karawanella, and Avissawella and District General Hospital Hambantota.
“This year indeed, is a historic occasion as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. Among numerous development assistance of Japan in Sri Lanka, Sri Jayawardenapura General Hospital, which was constructed with Japan’s assistance in 1983, stands in forefront as the symbol of the great friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka in the field of health." - Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.
And today, it gives me great pleasure to hold the first Japanese ODA project ceremony for the year 2022 in the health sector by handing over the equipment to assist COVID-19 response in Sri Lanka, specially, as one of the many commemorative events that will highlight our friendship throughout the year with the people of Sri Lanka.”
"Through the assistance by JICA, Japan believes that PCR testing capacity and effective treatment and diagnosis of patients will be improved, which will ultimately contribute to revitalizing economic activities and tourism while containing the spread of the COVID-19 in Sri Lanka," he added.
The Ambassador also stressed that as a long-time development partner, Japan will continue to stand in solidarity to overcome this crisis and achieve further economic development in Sri Lanka.
Secretary to the Ministry of Health Maj. Gen. Dr. Sanjeewa Munasinghe, Senior Representative of JICA Takashima Kiyofumi, Additional Secretary Dr. Sunil Alwis, and Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena were also present.
