Grant Aid Assistance for Bhutan - Handover ceremony of ‘The Economic and Social Development Programme’

On 12th January 2022, a handover ceremony for ‘The Economic and Social Development Programme’ financed by Japan’s grant assistance was held in Thimphu.
H.E. Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Minister of Health, the Royal Government of Bhutan, attended the ceremony, while Mr. MIYAMOTO Shingo, Minister (Economic & Development) from the Embassy of Japan, joined this event virtually.
 
This project aims to strengthen the medical and health environment in Bhutan through provision of medical equipment. Today, as a part of this project, 12 SUV-type ambulances with installed medical equipment, amounting to a total of 205 million Yen, were handed over to several hospitals in Bhutan.
 
These ambulances will be utilized for initial response to COVID-19 patients and to promptly transfer them to hospitals. It is hoped that this assistance will lead to early diagnosis and provision of appropriate medical care in hospitals.
 
Moreover, taking advantage of the ability of these ambulances to function well on rugged terrain, they will be used not only within urban areas but also in remote areas with mountainous roads.
 
It is expected that this project will be a useful contribution to the efforts of Bhutan to fight against COVID-19, and strengthen further the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Bhutan.