Japan hands over medical equipment to Koshi Hospital

Kathmandu, Aug. 31

The Government of Japan handed over advanced ophthalmological medical equipment to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar Metropolitan City of Morang District.

Under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of Japan, the Project for the Installation of Medical Equipment for Patients with Cataract and Glaucoma at Koshi Hospital was supported with USD 142,568 (approximately Rs. 16 million), informed the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.

According to it, this initiative aims to enhance the quality of eye care services not only for the residents of Morang District but also for neighbouring districts such as Sunsari, Ilam, Dhankuta and Terhathum.

Speaking on the occasion, Tamura Takahiro, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all those involved in the project.

He said that this project will help to reduce barriers in daily life and psychological anxiety of the patients with visual impairment as well as the financial burden on their families. He also mentioned his hope that the hospital will significantly improve its capabilities to solve the problems of eye ailments by using advanced medical equipment.

Since its establishment in 1890, Koshi Hospital has been a vital healthcare institution in Eastern Nepal, serving approximately 300,000 patients annually. The growing number of eye-related problems in Nepal, including cataracts and glaucoma, underlines the critical need for improved eye care services. This project will be instrumental in providing timely and effective treatment, particularly for those facing economic challenges.

“The Embassy of Japan hopes that this project will contribute to the development of eye care services and promote healthier living for the residents in Eastern Nepal. We also believe that it will further strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of Japan and Nepal,” read the statement by the Embassy.

GGP was established to implement projects that directly benefit people at the grassroots level for the socio-economic development of communities. Since 1991, over 200 GGP projects have been implemented in Nepal.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 1 September 2024.