Press Release

New Delhi, October 6, 2021: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a ‘Record of Discussions' with the Government of Tamil Nadu for "The project for Covid-19 prevention capacity improvement", focusing on technical cooperation around RT-PCR test provision in the state.

The purpose of the project is to strengthen the COVID-19 prevention and diagnostic capability of Government of Tamil Nadu by providing RT-PCR test equipment and online seminars/workshops to improve the management of COVID-19 patients in medical facilities. The equipment are planned to be installed in 10 Public Health facilities and will contribute not only to COVID-19 diagnostic capacity improvement, but also to other communicable diseases epidemic in the regions so as to reduce morbidity and mortality in the communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, "JICA signed two ODA loan pacts worth 80 billion Japanese Yen (approximately INR 5,333 crore) to support Government of India strengthening its public health system and implementing integrated social protection scheme under PM-GKY. Also, we provided 300 oxygen concentrators as emergency assistance when the country was fighting back the second wave of COVID-19 spread this year. With the implementation of this technical cooperation project for Covid-19 prevention capacity improvement, the healthcare system in Tamil Nadu will be strengthened and will support the reduction in the prevalence of Covid-19, as well as other infectious diseases. In the face of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, JICA stands by India and will continue to provide necessary assistance in its fight against the virus."

JICA had earlier signed an agreement with the Government of India to provide a 25,537 million Japanese Yen (approx. INR 1,548 crore) ODA loan to improve the quality of urban healthcare services in Tamil Nadu. The project was aimed at strengthening the healthcare system of the state by enhancing the capacity of hospitals by upgrading facilities and equipment with an emphasis on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Upgrading tertiary hospitals, strengthening referral hospitals, strengthening secondary care hospitals, strengthening hospital management, and strengthening primary health care were the five primary components of the initiative.

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada / Aishwarya Mishra
+91 11 49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
+91 95990 67185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com