Pakistan and Japan have signed a grant agreement aimed at improving child healthcare facilities in South Punjab, under which the Japanese government will provide financial assistance of $18.62 million. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the funding will be extended through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which will provide 2.91 billion Japanese yen to support the initiative.

The project focuses on strengthening pediatric healthcare services in the region, particularly in Multan. Under the agreement, the Children’s Hospital and Institute of Child Health (ICH) Multan will be upgraded with modern medical equipment and enhanced healthcare infrastructure. The ICH Multan is the largest tertiary care pediatric hospital in the region, and the project aims to further improve the quality and effectiveness of medical services provided to children. 

The Exchange of Notes was signed on behalf of Pakistan by Secretary for Economic Affairs Muhammad Hameer Karim, while Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Akamatsu Shuichi signed the agreement on behalf of the Japanese government. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary Muhammad Hameer Karim expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Japanese government and its people, assuring that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi said Japan would continue to work closely with Pakistan to enhance healthcare services and further deepen friendly relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)