By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –
JAPAN has given a grant of K1.4 million to Monze Mission Hospital in Southern Province for the improvement of X-ray equipment at the health institution.
The grant has been provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Programme.
Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Kioshiki Koinuma said the money was meant to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment by adding quality to examination equipment.
Mr Koinuma said during the signing of the grant on Wednesday, this week, that the money would provide opportunities for better medical services at the hospital.
“The fund will be used specifically for the procurement of new digital X-ray machines which broke down early last year and alteration of the X-ray rooms,” he said.
He also pledged to send Japanese technicians to install the equipment once it was purchased as well as provide training for staff at the hospital.
The hospital had a reputation of providing quality services and had of late incurred an influx of patients.
“We hope that this fund will benefit the Zambian people and strengthen bilateral relations between Zambia and Japan through both aid and business,” he said.
Monze Mission Hospital medical superintendent Kakanda Ngalula said the breaking down of the X-ray processing machine had resulted in degradation of accuracy in diagnosis and prolonged waiting time for patients, as well as hindered timely treatment.
He said the situation had prompted the radiographers to process the films manually as it was difficult to manage data with old analogue equipment.
Dr Ngalula noted that the extra support given to the hospital would create an enabling and safe environment for both patients and  health practitioners.
He further appealed to the Japanese government to sustain the relationship for the future generation to continue benefiting from the bilateral ties.