DUSHANBE, March 10, 2011, Asia-Plus – The Government of Japan supports enhancement of the health sector in Tajikistan trough awarding grants for rehabilitation of local medical facilities and provision of them with medical equipment.

According to the Japanese Embassy, Mr. Yoshihiro Nakayama, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, and Ms. Khayrinisso Kenjayeva, deputy chairperson of Panj district, Khatlon province signed a grant contract for “Project for Provision of Medical Equipment to the Maternity Department of Central Hospital in Panj District” on March 9.

The Government of Japan in the framework of Japanese Grant Assistance for the Grass–roots Human Security Projects (GGP) will provide medical equipment to maternity Department of Central Hospital in Panj District for the total amount of US$105,772.

Since establishment of the Panj central hospital in 1977, the existing medical equipments in the maternity department have never been replaced.  With the outdated equipment, it is very difficult to provide appropriate medical services to new-born infants and their mothers. Particularly, medical service for cases of premature birth is extremely limited, despite its high requirement for proper diagnosis and quality treatment.

Through the project, the maternity department will be equipped with 16 medical devices which will enable the hospital to provide appropriate medical service to new-born infants and women. By preparing appropriate medical service available, health level among the most vulnerable population such as women and children is expected to be improved in Panj district.

On Thursday March 10, Mr. Nakayama and Mr. Khisrav Abdunazarov, chairman of Panjakent city, Sughd province signed a grant contract for “The Project for Rehabilitation of Maternity Department of Central Hospital in Panjakent City” for the total amount of US$106,314.

The maternity department of central hospital in Panjakent was established in 1973, one third part of building has been rehabilitated by Tajikistan government.  However, the rest part is still under poor condition as it has remained without rehabilitation.  The southern and western parts of the building including walls, ceilings, windows and floors are in a poor state.  Moreover, basic facilities such as electricity lines, water lines and sewerage system do not meet the safety and hygiene standard. The project will conduct rehabilitation of the building and arrange the basic facilities in the hospital.

Substantial rehabilitation of the hospital through the project will improve quality of medical service in child birth and treatment for women.  As a result of the project, the health condition among the most vulnerable population such as women and children will be promoted and basic human rights to access to medical service in Zarafshon Valley will be ensured.

Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) is provided to local governments, educational/ medical institutions and International NGOs in developing countries. GGP supports projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level. GGP has extended more than US$ 19.2 million for 266 projects in the Republic of Tajikistan since 1996.