The Cahul District Hospital and the Ștefan Vodă District Hospital bought modern medical equipment in the framework of two projects that are financed by the Government of Japan through the agency of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects “Kusanone” Program IPN reports.

Cahul District Hospital director Oleg Crăciun, in the online projects completion ceremony, said the hospital acquired a videogastroduodenoscope, videobronchoscope, two video endoscopy systems and an electric coagulator. This is an important acquisition for increasing the hospital’s capacity to perform endoscopic examinations and minimally invasive surgery. The second bronchoscope purchased within the project is now used for patients of the intensive care unit. The equipment was bought based on a public tender contest and cost US$76,700.

Ștefan Vodă District Hospital Anatolie Balanetski said the Government of Japan invested US$79,300 in grant aid. The district council’s contribution was of 350,000 lei, while the district hospital’s contribution was of 39,000 lei. The money was used to purchase an oxygen generator, a microscope, three types of analyzers (hematologic, urine and biochemical), a coagulometer, a centrifuge, a lab fridge, furniture for the lab and an ultrasonographer.

Japan’s Ambassador to Moldova Katayama Yoshihiro expressed his gratitude to the people who made effort to implement the two projects. The diplomat noted he wanted to see in person the accomplishments within the project, but this is not possible owing to the pandemic. He asked the managers of the medical institutions to use the equipment bought through the “Kusanone” Program with maximum efficiency. “These grants were offered from the taxes paid by the Japanese people. That’s why I ask you to consider this “Kusanone” aid as one more sign of friendship from the Japanese people,” stated the ambassador.

Secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Alexandru Holostenco noted that the Government of Japan has remained a reliable partner of Moldova’s healthcare system. During many years, the cooperation with the “Kusanone” Program financed by the Government of Japan has brought multiple benefits and showed that a partnership means mutual trust, respect and fulfillment of commitments.

The Republic of Moldova has been a beneficiary of the “Kusanone” Program since 2008.