Japan hands over advanced medical equipment to Koshi Hospital

Kathmandu / Aug 30: The Government of Japan handed over advanced ophthalmological medical equipment to Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar Metropolitan City in Morang district on Friday. Takahiro Tamura, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japanese Embassy in Nepal, joined the ceremony.

According to a press release issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu, the project for the installation of medical equipment for patients with cataract and glaucoma at Koshi Hospital in Morang district was supported with USD 142,568 (around NPR 16 million), under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of eye care services for the residents of Morang District as well as for the districts such as Sunsari, Ilam, Dhankuta and Terhathum.

On this occasion, Tamura congratulated and expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all those involved in the project. He emphasized that this project will help to reduce barriers in daily life and psychological anxiety of the patients with visual impairment as well as financial burden on their families. He also said that the hospital will significantly improve its capabilities to solve the problems of eye diseases by using the advanced medical equipment, according to the statement.

Since its establishment in 1890, Koshi Hospital has been a vital healthcare institution in eastern Nepal, serving around 300,000 patients annually. The growing number of eye-related problems in Nepal such as cataracts and glaucoma highlights the critical need for improved eye care services. This project will be instrumental in providing timely and effective treatment, particularly for those facing economic challenges.

The Embassy of Japan in a statement expressed its hope that the project will enhance the development of eye care services and promote healthier living for the residents in Eastern Nepal. Additionally, it aims to further strengthen the enduring friendship between the people of Japan and Nepal.