Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata visited the National Hospital of Sri Lanka on September 10. He was accompanied by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa. The purpose of this visit was to review the status of operation of the advanced medical equipment provided through Japan’s ODA project.

Ambassador Isomata toured the new Outpatient Department (OPD), which has MRI and CT scan machines donated by the Japanese government. These machines significantly enhance the quality of medical diagnostics in Sri Lanka. He also inspected critical care equipment which was donated by the Rotary Club of Hamamatsu South, Japan, at the Non-Trauma Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). The equipment facilitates rapid diagnosis and treatment of non-traumatic emergency cases.

Additionally, Ambassador Isomata visited the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Accident Ward, where he observed the bedside patient monitors and the central monitoring system installed, also provided by the Japanese government. These monitors and the system enable real-time monitoring of critical patients, allowing for swift medical responses.

In his remarks, Ambassador Isomata emphasised Japan’s long-standing support for Sri Lanka’s healthcare sector, starting with the construction assistance of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the 1980s. He highlighted Japan’s recent contributions to hospitals nationwide and efforts to assist in the enhancement of medical services in the country, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Minister Jayatissa expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s continuous support, acknowledging its significant impact on improving the quality of healthcare for the people of Sri Lanka. This visit not only showcased the tangible benefits of Japan’s support, but also reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka. Both countries expressed their commitment to continue collaborating to promote the health and well-being of all Sri Lankan citizens. This visit reinforced the shared goal of deepening cooperation in the healthcare sector and pursuing the well-being of all citizens.