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Press Release

August 20, 2022

JICA Continuing Strengthening of Medical Care in Base Hospitals in Sri Lanka

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) together with Ministry of Health held 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 Ministry of Health and Mr. Tetsuya Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office.

During the Handover ceremony, Mr. Yamada expressed his appreciation for truly professional collaboration from the Ministry of Health and all healthcare professionals who work on the front line, putting themselves at risk to save the patients. He also emphasized that JICA has been one of the biggest development partners and Japan and Sri Lanka are celebrating the 70th anniversary of our bilateral relationship this year and this is thanks to the strong human history, which is the base for long lasting friendship.

Dr. Alwis emphasized that the project was managed to prepare in a short time and able to install the equipment timely, provided the health services as expected. He appreciated the Government of Japan and JICA's cooperation when Sri Lanka was facing a hard time. He emphasized that "True Friendship is built when we are in trouble and Japan never leaves us." He said that he is assured to continue other projects with JICA 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. In the Project, Rs.300mn worth 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 of 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.

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