JICA continues to strengthen medical care in Base Hospitals in Lanka

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), together with the Ministry of Health, held the handover ceremony of medical equipment, at the District General Hospital, in Nawalapitiya, and the Base Hospital, in Karawanella, on 20th August 2022, with the presence of Dr. Sunil de Alwis, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office.

During the ceremony, Yamada said,” JICA has been one of the biggest development partners and Japan and Sri Lanka are celebrating the 70th anniversary of bilateral relationship, this year, and this is thanks to the strong human history, which is the base for the long lasting friendship.

Dr. Alwis appreciated the government of Japan and JICA’s cooperation when Sri Lanka is facing a hard time. He said that true friendship between the two countries has further strengthened as Japan did not leave us at this difficult moment. And it is reassuring to know that JICA will continue with other such projects in the future.”

Since May 2021, JICA, together with the Ministry of Health, has been implementing a technical cooperation project to strengthen capacities in the preparedness and development for diagnostics and treatment services to combat infectious diseases, including COVID-19, and the equipment and online training opportunities have been provided to the targeted hospitals. Through this project, Rs. 300 mn worth of essential equipment are distributed to the Base Hospitals in Teldeniya, Warakapola, Walikanda, Pimbura, Nawalapitiya, Hingurakgoda, Karawanella, and Avissavella (mainly for treatment) and District General Hospital Hambantota (particularly for PCR tests).

In the year 2022, which marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, most of the essential equipment delivered, installed, and handed over to the targeted hospitals, are already in use. The equipment contributed to improving the quality of medical services, not only relating to COVID-19 but also relating to other diseases, as well. The local people are now able to access the upgraded medical services. The remaining equipment will be installed soon, within this year.