Arab News Japan

Japan on Wednesday provided a $89,948 or ¥12,541,756 grant through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Program (GGP) to support the Karagheusian Primary Health Care Center in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon.

The Karagheusian Primary Health Care Center is the only center in that area that offers comprehensive medical services at affordable rates.

The project aims to equip the center with specialized medical equipment, for its clinical laboratory and dental care It will also ensure that more than 10,000 vulnerable people will have an access to more diverse and extensive medical tests and treatments.

The project completion ceremony was attended by Japan’s Ambassador to Lebanon Takeshi Okubo, the Lebanese Minister of Public Health Firas Abiad and the Director of the Karagheusian Primary Health Care Center, Serop Ohanian, who presented congratulatory remarks.

The ceremony was launched with the national anthem of Japan and Lebanon, followed by a tour of the facility.

Okubo delivered a speech in which he said that the promotion of sustainable access to primary health care and enhancing the capabilities of the local facilities are critical, and highlighted the Japanese Government’s most recent support to vital sectors in Lebanon, including the provision of renewable energy solutions.

Ohanian, thanked Japan for its support of the growing vulnerable communities in the region by securing affordable health care services, and said that he appreciates the long-term partnerships that exist between the Embassy and the center.

Abiad elaborated on the importance of enhancing the healthcare services offered by primary health care centers by saying that strengthening such centers and the expansion of the range of services provided within them form a part of the Ministry of Health’s strategic plan, which considers primary healthcare a cornerstone for building a system that is capable of providing comprehensive health care to the Lebanese citizens.”

He then thanked the Japanese government for their support and added that he has “no doubt” that with this kind of assistance being provided to the health sector in Lebanon, the Ministry will be able to achieve its goals in the near future.