The Government of Japan, under it’sGrant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, decided to extend assistance of US$58,372 for a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for upgrading Kawlin Township Hospital in Sagaing Region”.

Mr.Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Designateof Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and U Maung Cho, Chairman of Kawlin Township Hospital Development Committee, signed the grant contract on December 6, 2012.

Kawlin Township Hospital was established in 1953 and its buildings were constructed in 1986. Although the hospital is currently 25 beddedhospital, it has enough space to accommodate for 80 beds. Based on the size of the hospital, 7 doctors,12 nurses and 17 staff are being assigned by the Ministry of Healthat the hospitalfor the township population of 142,120. Kawlin hospital is always congested with patients from its own township and near-by townships such as Pinlebu and Wuntho. However, surgical equipments,supporting instruments and hospital facilities are found insufficient to cope with its workload in the area.

In recognition of the hospital's efforts to provide better health care for the population of Kawlin and near-by townships, the Government of Japan decided to fund medical equipment for major operation theatre and labour room. Medical equipment to be provided are operation table, operation light, instrument set, autoclave, suction machine, patient monitor, diathermy machinefor major operation theatre; delivery bed, phototheraphy unit and radient baby warmer for labour room;including a generator for hospital use.

This assistance will improve the hospital's medical service and benefit patients in the area, and further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.