The Government of Japan has provided a grant aid of 400 Million Japanese Yen (approximately 3 million USD) to the Maldives to promote economic and social development in the country. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Her Excellency Keiko Yanai signed the Exchange of Notes relating to the grant aid, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today.
This grant aid will be utilised to further strengthen the capacities of the health service providers in the country. This includes the provision of a sea ambulance equipped with the necessary medical systems and trained staff to be used in the event of a serious illness or medical condition, and on emergency evacuations.
While speaking at the ceremony State Minister Khaleel highlighted that the demand for Sea Ambulance services has increased immensely, especially due to the ongoing global pandemic and the health sector is constantly struggling to match its resources and capabilities. This assistance extended by the Government of Japan is a much needed and timely boost to the capabilities of the sea ambulance service and will ensure reliable and uninterrupted service for emergency transfer or medical evacuation of patients during rough weather conditions.
State Minister Khaleel thanked the Government of Japan for the grant aid, characterising it as yet another important gesture of Japan’s goodwill and extraordinary generosity to the Maldives. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence and National Security, Ministry of Health and the officials from the Embassy of Japan.