Japan Makes A Generous Donation Of Medical Equipment Worth USD 5.6 Million To The Maldives
On Tuesday, during a special ceremony held at the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), medical equipment worth of USD 5.6 million have been handed over to the Government of Maldives by Japan. It was presented by the Ambassador of Japan to Maldives, Ms. Keiko Yanai, whereas Minister of Health, Mr. Ahmed Naseem received the aid on behalf of the Government of Maldives.
The medical equipment donated includes of 65 bedside monitors, 19 portable ultrasound machines, 19 defibrillators, 10 portable X-Ray machines, 132 syringe pumps and 132 syringe pump accessories. It was noted that the donation was made to develop the standard of health services provided in islands away from the capital and also in the country’s battle against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During the handover ceremony, Ms. Keiko Yanai stated that “COVID-19 is a global crisis that pressingly calls for our collective and cooperative efforts to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus, strengthen the healthcare systems and minimize the impact of the socio-economic challenges of the vulnerable.”
Initially, both the countries signed the Exchange of Notes for the USD 5.6 million grant, back in June 2020. The Japanese government has provided notable assistance to the Maldives to assist us in the nationwide response to pandemic. Apart from this, they have extended financial assistance to the country numerous times in various sectors.