Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has provided about 155 million lei from 2021-2024 to modernize medical infrastructure, equip institutions with advanced equipment and develop crisis response capabilities, IPN reports.
According to Minister Ala Nemerenco, the Republic of Moldova has in Japan a highly reliable strategic partner, which has constantly supported it in the process of reforming and renovating the medical system. Thanks to this partnership, the minister says, it has been possible to modernize the infrastructure, equip hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and the medical system has benefited from constant and generous support in the crisis situations it has faced in recent years.
Ala Nemerenco noted that in the period 2021-2024 a number of agreements have been signed with JICA and implemented joint projects totaling about 155 million lei. From this money, modern CT scanners, imaging technologies, essential care equipment for mothers and children and others were purchased.
The President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tanaka Akihiko, said that JICA has been engaged in collaborative projects in the health sector for a long time and hopes that this collaboration will continue so as to contribute to the development of the health system.
The director of the Institute of Mother and Child, Sergiu Gladun, said that the partnership with JICA has become an example of solidarity and shared responsibility for the future of the health of mothers and children in the Republic of Moldova. According to Gladun, JICA’s support and collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Embassy of Japan has made it possible to modernize the institution he heads with medical equipment, as well as to strengthen its capacity to provide safe, effective and patient-centered care.
The institution has received state-of-the-art ultrasonography machines, gastroscopes, modern anesthesia machines, artificial ventilation machines for children and newborns, phototherapy lamps and others. The total amount of JICA support in this regard exceeds 15 million lei. “These facilities will save lives, shorten the intervention time and ensure better conditions for both patients and medical staff,” said Sergiu Gladun.
JICA is a governmental organization mandated to support economic and social growth in developing countries and promote international cooperation. Japanese funds have been used for concrete projects such as modern medical equipment for five hospitals in the country, which is helping to improve the quality of medical services, and 19 fire engines for fire brigades and rescue teams, which help save lives in emergencies. More than a thousand farmers have also been supported to adopt sustainable practices, including the installation of photovoltaic systems in 47 farms, worth a total of around €2.6 million, €2 million in subsidies for the purchase of fertilizers for farms, the National Library equipped with modern equipment allowing the digitization of cultural heritage and easier access to information.
