The Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have organized a press tour for journalists showcasing some of their projects aimed at improving Tajikistan's health system.
The introduction of a new video endoscope has significantly eased the work of doctors and patients
During the tour, the journalists visited the Central District Hospital in Vahdat Township, where a video gastro-endoscope was installed as part of a project to enhance the hospital’s medical equipment.
Dr. Rajab Zainiddinov, an endoscopist surgeon at the hospital, explained how this device has simplified diagnostic procedures, stating, "Thanks to the assistance from the Japanese Embassy in Tajikistan, residents no longer need to travel to medical facilities in Dushanbe for diagnosis."
The endoscope, equipped with a video camera, enables a detailed examination of various organs, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as nosebleeds, nasal congestion, sinusitis, polyps or foreign bodies, problems with swallowing and hearing impairment.
With more than 10-15 patients visiting the hospital daily from both Vahdat neighboring districts, the diagnostic process is now broadcasted on video monitors, allowing patients’ relatives to observe remotely.
The management of Vahdat Central District Hospital expressed gratitude to both the Tajikistan and Japanese Governments for their generous assistance.
In 2021, the Embassy of Japan provided medical equipment to Vahdat Central District Hospital worth over $89 thousand.
Modern ambulances for the public service
Then the journalists visited Danghara Central District Hospital, where modern medical equipment was also installed with the help of the Japanese side.
The Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided a portable ultrasound scanner, an ultrasound machine, intensive care beds, an autoclave, and portable X-ray equipment to Danghara CDH.
In addition, according to a special project, 3 ambulances were provided to Danghara district, which are equipped with all necessary first aid equipment.
Renewed vehicles and equipment have significantly improved the efficiency of providing emergency medical care to the population of this region.
The total amount of the "Project for Improvement of Ambulances in the Republic of Tajikistan" was approximately US$5.3 million. In total, 94 ambulances were provided within the framework of the project, which were distributed to medical institutions throughout Tajikistan.
Removing kidney stones without surgery
In Dushanbe, representatives of the press got acquainted with the Grant Aid Project for the Improvement of Medical Equipment in “the National Medical Center of Shifobakhsh” and “the Republican Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery”. Within the framework of the Project, 42 items of new medical equipment were purchased for a total amount of about US$6.5 million.
In particular, the Shifobakhsh Medical Center has received new equipment that has no analogues in Tajikistan, and the process of installation it is going on.
This is a remote lithotripter for removing kidney stones without surgery.
According to the deputy director of NMC "Shifobakhsh" Marouf Homidov, this equipment has no analogues in Tajikistan.
The whole process takes place without surgical intervention, which makes it possible to discharge the patient on the same day.
Seiju Imai: "That's not all, there are many good things ahead"
Seiju Imai, Chief Representative of JICA Tajikistan Office emphasized the successful cooperation between the governments of Japan and Tajikistan in promoting healthcare and social services development.
"We started our cooperation with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan back in 1993. The priority of JICA was the healthcare sector," said Imai.
He believes that human resources are very important along with equipment, so the Japanese side conducts trainings for specialists for the maintenance and management of medical equipment.
He highlighted that JICA intends to cooperate more closely with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and other partners in the field of healthcare in the future.
The JICA Strategy in the health sector in Tajikistan is aimed to strengthen the health system to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) for the entire population of Tajikistan by supporting the implementation of the National Health Strategy until 2030 and the Strategy for Public Health Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030.
