Japan Ambassador to Palau Yoshiyuki Sadaoka and Sween Yamada, administrator of facilities and equipment of BNH, signed the grant agreement on Wednesday at the Japan Embassy here.
The grant will cover the cost of the purchase and shipment of hematology equipment Pentra XL80 and chemistry equipment EasyRA Analyzer, including the training and installation costs.
The hospital’s laboratory only has one hematology machine and one chemistry machine. Hospital laboratories are required to have at least two of each equipment to ensure continuous testing and regular maintenance.
Whenever the machines are out of order, all laboratory tests are discontinued.
With the purchase of new equipment, the laboratory will be able to function better.
The grant was made possible through the efforts of Machiko Usui, a lab technician and a Japan International Cooperation Agency volunteer, and Lily Ulitech, laboratory supervisor, who worked together to complete and submit the grant application.
In a statement, Sadaoka said, “I am optimistic that the laboratory personnel will work with diligence to ensure the health of the patients as well as take the best care of the equipment to ensure its longevity. As we look toward the New Year, I hope that this gift from the government and the people of Japan will help ensure a healthier future for all of the residents of Palau for many years to come.”
