The Government of Japan has extended grant assistance in the form of 1 billion Japanese Yen (PKR 1.54 billion) for Health and COVID-19 Assistance to the Government of Pakistan.
The grant aid is given under the Economic and Social Development Program for purchasing several medical equipment, MRI system, oxygen generator and cylinder, automated external defibrillator, ECG, Ultra-low temperature freezer, Personal Protection Equipment, Wheel Chairs, and Stretchers.
Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs, Noor Ahmed, and Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Matsuda Kuninori, signed the Exchange Notes, Record of Discussions, and Agreed Minutes on Procedural Details, on behalf of their respective Governments today on December 15, 2020.
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Talking on the occasion, Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) expressed that Pakistan values bilateral and friendly relations with Japan, and both countries share common views on most of the regional and international economic issues.
Japanese economic assistance has played and shall continue to play a vital role in the socio-economic uplift of Pakistan. Japan has paid a major role in the eradication of Polio in Pakistan, and due to its untiring support, Pakistan has been able to substantially control the Poliovirus in Pakistan. Japan is still insisting on complete eradication till the zero Polio patients are reported.
He also appreciated Japan’s assistance to build an Intensive Care Unit and Maternal and Child Health Facility at PIMS worth 3.62 billion Japanese Yen and the extension of similar Grant Assistance for Hyderabad (Sindh) in the future.
Recent Non-Grant Project Assistance for Islamabad Metropolitan City for management, transportation of garbage, solid waste was also commendable as it will not only improve the environment but will also control the spread of diseases and infections.
He highlighted that the grant assistance in the form of medical equipment during the Pandemic (COVID-19) is timely. Pakistan is going through the second wave of the Pandemic, and the number of patients is higher, hence overburdening the health systems in Pakistan.
This grant will supplement the health facilities of the hospitals, the risk to health workers and doctors shall be minimized due to personal protection equipment during the treatment of COVID patients. Ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and generators will help vulnerable and serious patients.
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Japan was also acknowledged for its continuous support for Health, Education, and Security, as well as for the reduction and control of floods and earthquakes through Radar Weather Surveillance at various stations across Pakistan.
Secretary Economic Affairs Division appreciated the Japanese Government and the people of Japan for their support with the assurance of extending all necessary facilitation for more meaningful cooperation between the two sides in the future.
