Singapore: In a bid to improve medical services and healthcare scenario in Kyrgyzstan, Japan has inked a pact with five healthcare institutions in the country, a move that may help in improving the health standards of the citizens. The projects will be implemented as part of the Japanese government's Grassroots and Human Security grant program.

As per the agreement, the Kyrgyz National Center of Maternity and Childhood will receive the latest new medical equipment worth $153,993; the Issyk-Kul regional hospital will receive equipment worth $102,343; the Tokmok territorial hospital will get equipment worth $100,453; the Uzgen territorial hospital will get equipment worth $90,274; and the Issyk-Kul regional center of family medicine will receive medical equipment worth $89,239.

At the signing ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador highlighted that since 1996 Japan has provided grant assistance worth more than $3.5 million to more than 50 healthcare institutions in Kyrgyzstan. He said that the new medical equipment will help in improving diagnostic and medical services in the country.

The program aims at meeting people's basic needs by joint efforts of local self-government bodies and non-governmental organizations. The Grassroots and Human Security grant program has so far implemented 122 projects worth nearly $8,156,150.