GOMEL, 3 October (BelTA) – Medical equipment was donated to the Gomel Regional Teaching Hospital for War Veterans in a solemn ceremony on 1 October. The equipment was donated in line with the Japanese government's program on public safety grants Grassroots, BelTA has learned.
The Japanese embassy donated a modern ultrasound machine worth $108,000 to the hospital. Taking part in the ceremony was Japanese Ambassador to Belarus Mimori Shigehiro. Speaking with reporters, he noted that the event is symbolic and it took place on the International Day of Older Persons. "We sincerely hope that this equipment will help improve the quality of examination of the patients, most of whom are elderly people," he said.
The diplomat informed that 32 projects have been implemented in Belarus in line with the Grassroots program since 2005. 21 projects worth $1.83 million were implemented in Gomel Oblast. The money was spent to purchase diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, medical instruments, ambulances and computer equipment for the hospitals located in the regions most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. "Some of the hospitals have already received several grants, including grants to replace exhausted equipment," the diplomat informed.
Later on 1 October the ambassador will take part in a ceremony to donate medical equipment to the Mozyr Maternity Hospital.