The government of Japan has provided a grant of USD 86,961 (approximately MVR 304,415) to the Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll, along with equipment needed for progress.

This was revealed via a press release by the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives, which revealed that the grant contract signing ceremony took place at the center for special needs persons on Thursday.

The contract was signed by Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai and Chief Executive Officer of the center, Imran Ibrahim.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Yanai expressed her concern over the lack of adequate treatment for the special needs patients at the center due to a scarcity in required equipment. She went on to express delight in the Japanese government’s generous grant assistance.

Taking the podium at the event, CEO Imran stressed that they have had to transfer patients to capital city Malé due to lack of emergency treatment options and required equipment at the center, highlighting that it is frequently done without even stabilizing the patient.

This is turn brings about vast challenges and hindrances for the center, its staff and the patients as well, said Imran, who went on to extend sincere gratitude to the government of Japan for the aid.

The grant aid funded to upgrade the center, comes under the grant assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme, and will see restoration work of the clinic including replacing the roof, floor tiles, doors, windows and electric wirings as well as making comfortable seating arrangements for counselling sessions at the clinic and wheelchair accessibility for disabled persons.

Some of the equipment that comes as part of the grant aid include four patient beds, a refrigerator for medications, a stethoscope, four aspirators, two respirators, four electrocardiograph systems, four tables for medical equipment, four sets of surgery equipment and an autoclave.