CHENNAI: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement with the Government of India to provide 25,537 million Yen (approximately Rs 1,548 cr) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan to improve the quality of urban healthcare services in Tamil Nadu. Among the intiatives planned as part of this aid is a new outpatients’ ward at the Children’s Hospital in Egmore - that is under construction. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
The loan’s conditions are very concessional – 0.3% interest rate and 40 years repayment period (including 10 years grace period). The assistance will strengthen the capacity of key hospitals with upgraded facilities and equipment, and human resources with focus on Non Communicable Diseases.
The project is planned to be implemented in 17 cities in Tamil Nadu with five major components at the core of the venture - upgrading tertiary hospitals, strengthening referral hospitals, strengthening Secondary Care Hospitals, strengthening Hospital Management and strengthening Primary Health Care in managing NCD. The components and the cities have been decided based on the population size, needs, and priority for facility development.
“JICA promotes development of socio-economic and human resources infrastructure which directly supports improving life-expectancy and enhancing people’s quality of life. JICA will contribute to providing easier access to advanced healthcare services in urban areas and promote a healthy lifestyle in the state of Tamil Nadu,” said Takema Sakamoto, Chief Representative, JICA India Office. The 17 cities where the project will be implemented include Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem, Tirunelveli, Erode, Vellore, Tiruppur, Thoothukudi, Nagercoil, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, Dindigul, Pudukottai, Krishnagiri and Periyakulam.
In order to provide advanced treatment for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, facilities and equipment of international standards will be introduced under this project. Advanced Operation Theatre Centre which would include Hybrid Operation Theatre with advanced medical imaging equipment such as digital subtraction angiography with CT scanner will also be provided. Furthermore, capacity development and advanced equipment for training will be provided in order to improve the skills of health personnel.
What the State plans to do
The project is planned to be implemented in 17 cities in Tamil Nadu with five major components at the core of the venture - upgrading tertiary hospitals, strengthening referral hospitals, strengthening Secondary Care Hospitals, strengthening Hospital Management and strengthening Primary Health Care in managing non communicable diseases