FALMOUTH, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health and Wellness has received a $15-million grant from the Japanese Government for the purchase of an ambulance for the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny.

Speaking at the signing and cheque presentation at his New Kingston offices on Tuesday, portfolio Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton said the grant support is another tangible demonstration of the partnership between the two countries.

He said the area of the island to be served by the vehicle is “one of those parts of the country where we tend to ignore the speed limit and the need for mobility, logistics to and from the hospital is always great. So, adding this ambulance to the fleet is a welcome improvement”

Tufton noted that Japan is one of Jamaica’s strongest partners.

He said that in addition to development assistance, Japan has made significant investments in the island’s agriculture and energy sectors and is the largest market for the island’s Blue Mountain Coffee.

“In the area of healthcare, the Government of Japan has generously supported Jamaica’s efforts when we were in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of grant funding in the amount of approximately US$1.8 million,” Tufton pointed out.

Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsumi said the support was provided under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Project (GGP).

In Jamaica, the project addresses Basic Human Needs in areas such as poverty reduction, natural disaster response, education, health, gender issues and the environment.

“When we provide funding to our partners from the GGP programme, we make sure that it will assist crucial sectors such as health and that is why we have been continuously working with hospitals such as Mandeville, Spanish Town, and St Ann’s Bay,” the ambassador said.

– JIS