Japan to Provide Armenia with $3.7 Million Grant for Medical Equipment Acquisition

On June 30, Japan's Ambassador to Armenia Jun Yamada and Armenia's Minister of Finance Atom Janjughazyan signed an exchange of notes for the "Economic and Social Development Program," under Japan's grant assistance. The exchange is aimed at providing Japanese medical equipment to the Republic of Armenia. Through this program, the Japanese government will allocate 400 million Japanese yen (approximately $3.7 million) for the procurement of Japanese medical equipment. This has been reported by the Embassy of Japan in Armenia.

"This project aims to support Armenia's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing the mid- to long-term healthcare and medical system. The latest generation of MRI systems and other medical equipment will significantly improve the current level of medical services in the country, alleviating various health-related issues and saving lives. As we all know, currently, the whole world, including Armenia, is struggling against the serious pandemic of COVID-19. Japan, as a close and friendly partner of Armenia, is ready to support the country in achieving balanced and sustainable economic growth. This should be accomplished through the improvement of various institutions, infrastructure, and the development of human resources, particularly in the healthcare sector. In this regard, Japan supports Armenia's healthcare and medical institutions both in Yerevan and in the provinces.

In addition to such technical assistance and grant aid directed from government to government, Japanese doctor and professor Akira Ishiyama from the University of California, Los Angeles, continues his annual visits to the country to provide his invaluable expertise in cochlear implantation for Armenian children. This new project embodies Japan's steadfast commitment to supporting Armenia.

Our unique and strong ties, which will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Armenia's restoration of independence in two years, will once again demonstrate our shared values and our determination to cooperate more closely to make this world a better place for all.

Ambassador Yamada stated: "On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to emphasize the significance and relevance of this program, particularly considering the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic in Armenia and around the world. I sincerely hope that the new Japanese equipment will contribute to a substantial improvement in the capabilities of healthcare and medical institutions in the country, thereby saving more lives and raising the standard of living for the Armenian people."

Armenia's Health Minister Arsen Torosyan noted: "The cooperation between Armenia and Japan in the field of healthcare includes the best traditions. We highly appreciate the continuous support that the Government of Japan has generously shown to Armenia for many years to enhance healthcare capacities. Over the last 25 years, several important programs have been implemented with the financing of the Japanese government. Japanese high-tech medical equipment, vehicles, and other medical goods have long been known in our country. Currently, when the world is confronted with the coronavirus pandemic and our country is also facing a difficult fight, we are once again grateful to the Government of Japan for providing the opportunity to acquire valuable medical equipment worth 400 million Japanese yen for Armenia.

Fully convinced that any equipment provided by Japan will find the best and most useful application in our field, I express my sincere gratitude to the people of Japan, the government, and all our Japanese partners and friends for their efforts aimed at generously supporting Armenia in the fight against the pandemic and beyond."