ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan inaugurated on Tuesday a project for the construction of eye care facility in Havelian Tehsil of Abbottabad District.
The project was initiated by Lok Sudhar Association, a non-governmental organisation working to improve the essential eyecare services for underserved communities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Japanese Embassy officials, NGO board members and local community representatives.
The Government of Japan, under its grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, had provided financial assistance of 51,407 USD which was allocated in 2024 for the construction for eyecare facility and provision of advanced ophthalmology equipment used in the diagnosis of different ophthalmic diseases and cataract surgeries.
This initiative responds to the pressing medical needs of over 350,000 people in the region and adjoining areas. After the completion of the project, almost 30,000 patients have undergone treatment and 1,260 cataract surgeries were operated in this facility in one year. This facility significantly reduces the financial and physical burden on elderly and vulnerable patients who often faced delays in receiving timely medical care.
While speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi congratulated Lok Sudhar Association on the completion of the project. The Ambassador emphasised that provision of affordable health facility is the one of the top priorities in Japan’s assistance policy toward Pakistan.
He also highlighted that the access to quality treatment is the basic prerequisite for any nation to achieve social prosperity.
He stressed that Government of Japan would continue to support the people of Pakistan to improve their living standards and represented his sincere wish that this project would certainly strengthen the longstanding friendship between the people of Japan and Pakistan.
Also read: China sees major gains in scientific innovation, industrial transformation
