KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30
The Government of Japan has handed over advanced ophthalmological medical equipment to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar Metropolitan City, Morang District, today. The handover ceremony was attended by Tamura Takahiro, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal.
The donation, valued at USD 142,568 (approximately Rs 16 million), was made under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The project,"Installation of Medical Equipment for Patients with Cataract and Glaucoma at Koshi Hospital," aims to improve the quality of eye care services not only for residents of Morang District but also for neighboring districts such as Sunsari, Ilam, Dhankuta, and Terhathum, the statement issued by the Japan Embassy in Kathmandu said.
During the ceremony, Tamura congratulated and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all those involved in the project. He emphasized that this project will help to reduce barriers in daily life and psychological anxiety of the patients with visual impairment as well as financial burden on their families. He also mentioned his hope that the hospital will significantly improve its capabilities to solve the problems of eye diseases by using the 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 statement further adds.
"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."
The 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, the embassy said.
