ISLAMABAD - Japan on Wednesday handed over equipment to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) worth Rs.103 million.
Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, handed over the equipment which included 2 units of endoscopes, 10 units of diagnostic ultrasound systems, 1 unit of computed radiography, 2 units of autoclaves and 1 unit of forklift. Total cost for the provision of equipment is around 106 million Japanese Yen, an equivalent of Rs. 103 million.
At the handing-over ceremony held at PIMS, Inomata cited growing healthcare needs in Pakistan and mentioned that the latest and more efficient equipment, which was made in Japan was carefully chosen in order to improve capacity and quality of medical services provided by PIMS.
The Government of Japan has been a long-standing partner of the PIMS since 1982 through construction of its buildings, the provision of equipment and technical assistance. The Japanese Ambassador called it "a successful example of Japan's assistance to Pakistan in the medical field." Today's fresh provision of equipment under the Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) scheme was a part of the continued commitment to partnership with PIMS.  Inomata also announced that another set of medical equipment procurement to PIMS is now being prepared under another batch of NPGA.
All these equipment were produced in the areas affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit east Japan on March 11, 2011.
On the occasion, Inomata said, "One of the most significant aspects of today's assistance to PIMS is to show that the people in the disaster affected areas in east Japan are ready to help Pakistan, by overcoming damages, which represents the resilience of the Japanese economy."
He said that this contribution to PIMS by Japanese people symbolises the strong partnership between our countries in times of difficulties.