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Japan-India Relations
Press Release No.14

NEW DELHI: December 19, 2008

GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN EXTENDS US$78,295 GRANT ASSISTANCE TO JIGME DORJI WANGCHUCK NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL, THIMPHU, BHUTAN, FOR ITS GRASSROOTS PROJECT
1. The Embassy of Japan in India, under its scheme ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’, today decided to extend grant assistance totaling US$78,295 (approximately equivalent to Nu.38 lacs) to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan, to support improvement of the basic labor service project undertaken by it. The recipient and the project receiving the Grant is as follows:

(i) Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital has been providing medical services since its establishment in 1972. There are 8 departments and 6 units in the hospital, and basic medical treatment as well as advanced surgeries and emergency services have been provided to the citizens, not only from Thimphu city but all over the country. The Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department handles about 3,000 deliveries annually. However, in the face of growing demand, the existing worn-out equipment is proving insufficient in quantity as well as quality. The situation has prevented the department from meeting the demand. Moreover, difficulties of proper monitoring and timely intervention due to lack of equipment has led up to avoidable caesarean operations and stillbirths on rare occasions.  To meet the great demand to improve the facilities and make them safer and more dependable, the department decided to upgrade its conditions with needed equipment, such as vacuum sets for delivery, phototherapy machines, infant warmers, foetal dopplers, CTG machines and ultrasound.  Realizing their need, the Embassy of Japan has decided to grant them a sum of US$78,295 for the project. 

2. The Signing Ceremony to formalize the arrangements is scheduled to take place at 1100 hrs. on Friday, 19th December 2008, at the Hospital, between Mr. Masashi Mizukami, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, and the representative of the above hospital.

3. The scheme of ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects’ was introduced by the Government of Japan in 1989, to provide timely assistance directly to the activities of NGOs promoting welfare of the people in developing countries. Projects eligible for the grant assistance include such fields as primary healthcare, primary education, care of the handicapped people, poverty alleviation, enhancing status of women, public welfare, environment protection, etc. The Embassy of Japan in India is in charge of this scheme for Bhutan.

4. For further information, please contact Mr. Hisashi Sakata, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan. Telephone No.91-11-2687-6564.