The government of Japan has pledged to provide eight ambulances to the government of Maldives.

The grant contract was signed by Takeuchi Midori, Ambassador of Japan to Maldives and Dr. Shah Abdulla Mahir, Minister of State for Health at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health on Monday.

The “Grant Contract for the Project for Provision of Reconditioned Ambulances” to local island in Maldives revolves around terms including funding the provision of eight reconditioned ambulances (TOYOTA) with eight sets of 12 medical equipment such as ALS bag, oxygen cylinder, bag valve mask, spinal board.

The Japanese government committed a grant of 17,186,148 Japanese Yen which is approximately USD 159,131 equivalent to MVR 2,453,800 for the project under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme.

Two ambulances will be allocated by the ministry to the National Ambulance Services in Hulhumalé and each of six local islands.

The government believes that the assistance will counterpart the efforts of the government of Maldives to enhance the response of health system in emergencies.

Japan handed over 21 land ambulances valued at USD 1.4 million to the Ministry of Health back in October 2019 as well, to be allocated to 21 islands across 15 atolls.

The vehicles were donated as part of the grant of 300 million Japanese Yen equivalent to USD 2.8 million committed for the Maldivian health sector, in line with the Exchange of Notes signed between both countries back in June 2018 under “The Economic and Social Development Programme”.

Part of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) implemented by the Embassy of Japan in Maldives in order to empower people at the grassroots levels, the GGP has been implemented in broad areas such as education, environment, health, transportation and energy with a view to contributing to sustainable development of Maldives since 1996.