Japan pledges MVR 2.6M grant to upgrade Himmafushi Health Center

The Japanese government has pledged a grant worth USD 174,230 (MVR 2.6 million) for the upgrade of the K. Himmafushi Health Center.

The assistance was provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme.

The grant contract for the project was signed by Japanese Ambassador Midori Takeuchi and Himmafushi Health Center’s Senior Administrator, Health Services, Abdulla Shafeeu in a ceremony at the Health Ministry headquarters on Tuesday.

According to the Japanese government, the grant will be utilized for the development of new facilities including an emergency room, laboratory, X-ray room, and two consultation rooms.

With the implementation of the project, Himmafushi Health Center will be able to provide basic laboratory and radiology services for the residents in Himmafushi, eliminating the need to travel to the Maldivian capital to access healthcare services.

Once the construction work is complete, the Health Ministry and Himmafushi Council will complement the project by covering the cost of all necessary equipment and furniture for the Himmafushi Health Center.

The GGP scheme is part of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) implemented by the Japanese Embassy in Maldives to empower people at the grassroots level. The scheme has been implemented in broad areas such as education, environment, health, transportation and energy since 1996, promoting sustainable development of Maldives.