Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki handed over 5.5 million US dollars’ worth of medical equipment to the National Hospital, in Sri Lanka, (NHSL), and the Ragama Teaching Hospital, in the presence of the Health Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, to help establish a sustainable medical system, adaptable to the current economic crisis, and strengthen the readiness against COVID-19.

Issuing a press release the Japanese Embassy said it has provided modern Japanese medical equipment, including MRI, CT scanner, Angiography, central monitor, and bedside monitors.

“These items of equipment will also be utilized to inspect and treat people with chronic illnesses, such as non-communicable diseases, which are serious challenges as the largest cause of death in Sri Lanka. The CT scanner is the first of its kind to be introduced at the National Hospital, in Sri Lanka, and installed in its newly established Out Patient Department, which can treat around 1,500 outpatients per day, on average. We hope that the new set of equipment will help to provide advanced and sustainable medical services to the people of Sri Lanka who are in need, under the current unprecedented challenges, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the grave economic predicament,” the Embassy said.