Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) together with the Ministry of Health held a handover ceremony of Medical Equipment at Warakapola Base Hospital in Kegalle District and Teldeniya Base Hospital in Kandy District on June 17.
The presentation was made by Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office Kiyofumi Takashima to Additional Secretary of Ministry of Health Dr. Sunil de Alwis.
 Medical equipment donated by JICA. |
During the handover event, Takashima stressed that COVID-19 wave has repeatedly attacked us and we should be fully prepared for it by upgrading medical facilities and services. JICA hopes the donated equipment will contribute to building a better health service in the region. He also emphasized that JICA has been a biggest partner of Sri Lanka, celebrating 70 years of Japan and Sri Lanka diplomatic relationship this year, and will continue contributing in this sector.
Dr. Alwis thanked JICA for great cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic period and for the prompt action taken in distributing the valuable medical equipment. This enabled hospitals to manage their operations without having to close down any unit. He was proud of his team and all the people who were involved in this sector. While thanking the Japanese Government and the Japanese people for valuable donations, he promised to make the best use of the donated equipment for the people’s welfare. Medical Superintendent from the Warakapola Base Hospital Dr. M. Amjad greatly appreciated the equipment provided by JICA as it would be of great service to the people.
Medical Superintendent from Theldeniya Base Hospital Dr. Imesh Prathapasinghe thanked the Japanese Government and JICA for their continued cooperation in helping upgrade facilities at the base hospital. He said that JICA’s assistance was important and timely.
JICA, together with the Ministry of Health, launched a technical cooperation project in May 2021 to strengthen capacities in the preparedness and development for diagnostics and treatment services to combat infectious diseases including COVID-19 while providing equipment and online training opportunities to the targeted hospitals. In the Project, Rs.300 million worth essential equipment have been distributed to the Teldeniya, Warakapola, Welikanda, Pimbura, Nawalapitiya, Hingurakgoda, Karawanella, and Avissawella Base Hospitals (for mainly treatment) and Hambantota District General Hospital (for conducting PCR tests).
2022 marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. The Government of Japan as well as JICA have been supporting the Sri Lankan healthcare system for a long time and will continue the cooperation in this sector for further upgrade of quality of medical services and the hospital system in Sri Lanka.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the executing agency of Japan’s Bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA). JICA, the world’s biggest bilateral aid agency, works in over 150 countries and regions. In accordance with its vision of “Inclusive and Dynamic Development,” JICA supports the resolution of development issues in developing countries. In Sri Lanka, Japan has been providing financial and technical assistance since 1954 and is one of the biggest donors to the country. On behalf of the people and the Government of Japan, JICA contributes to improving the lives of people in Sri Lanka.
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