Project to be improved in 21 months:

Japan funds Jaffna hospital

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Jaffna Teaching Hospital is to be developed at a cost of Rs 2,877 million under Uthuru Vasanthaya program.

The Japanese Government and the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) fund this project, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Health Ministry and the Japanese funders yesterday in this regard. Health Ministry Secretary Dr Ravindra Ruberu and Project Manager Shingo Kuroda signed the MoU.

The project for improving the central functions of the Jaffna Teaching Hospital will be completed within 21 months. The funds come as an outright JICA grant and the Japanese Government.

Building facilities, a central theatre complex, an ICU, central supplies and sterilizing department, central laboratory complex, facilities for diagnostic imaging, procurement and installation of medical equipment and other facilities are to be provided to the hospital under this project.