JICA continues its cooperation for strengthening the quality of medical service

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) together with Ministry of Health held handover ceremony of Medical Equipment at Warakapola Base Hospital in Kegalle District and Teldeniya Base Hospital in Kandy District on 17 June with the presence of Additional Secretary of Ministry of Health Dr. Sunil de Alwis and Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka office Kiyofumi Takashima.

During the handover event, Takashima stressed that COVID-19 wave has repeatedly attacked us and we should be fully prepared for it through upgrading medical facilities and services. JICA sincerely hope these donated equipment will be well used and maintained and sustainably contribute to better health service in the region. He also emphasised that JICA has been a biggest partner of Sri Lanka, celebrating 70 years of Japan and Sri Lanka diplomatic relationship this year, and will continue contributing in this sector.

Dr. Alwis thanked JICA for great cooperation during COVID-19 for prompt action on distributing the equipment and thanks to this action, the hospitals could manage their operation without closing down any unit. He was proud of his team and all the people who involved in this sector. He emphasised that he would like to deliver the message to the taxpayers in Japan that the donated equipment will be used for long lasting.

Medical Superintendent Dr. M. Amjad from Warakapola Base Hospital was very much appreciated the full package of equipment because it encouraged people to visit the hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr. Imesh Prathapasinghe from Theldeniya Base Hospital emphasised that thanks to the continuous cooperation of the Government of Japan and JICA, their hospital was able to upgrade as base hospital. He also mentioned that JICA’s assistance was important and timely.

JICA, together with the Ministry of Health, launched a technical cooperation project in May 2021 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. 300 million worth essential equipment are distributed to the base hospitals in Teldeniya, Warakapola, Walikanda, Pimbura, Nawalapitiya, Hingurakgoda, Karawanella, and Avissavella (for mainly treatment) and District General Hospital Hambantota (for particularly PCR tests).

2022 marks the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka. The Government of Japan as well as JICA have been supporting the Sri Lankan healthcare system for a long time and will continue the cooperation in this sector for further upgrade of quality of medical services and the hospital system in Sri Lanka.