Islamabad: Japan has announced a grant of 2,910 million Japanese Yen for a major child health project in South Punjab, aiming to strengthen treatment services for newborns, infants, and children who need urgent and specialized care.
The funding will be used to improve child health care facilities at Children’s Hospital Multan, a public hospital that serves patients from Multan and nearby districts.
According to a press release issued by the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, the grant agreement was formalized on January 13, 2026. The notes were signed and exchanged between Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Muhammad Humair Karim.
Following this, a separate grant agreement was signed between the Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, Miyata Naoaki, and Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro.
Under the project, a new child health care facility will be constructed at Children’s Hospital Multan. The hospital is a key public medical institution in the region and receives patients from across South Punjab.
The new building will include an emergency department, a pediatric intensive care unit, a neonatal intensive care unit, surgery wards, and a laboratory. These facilities are expected to improve the hospital’s capacity to handle complex medical cases involving children.
The main goal of the project is to strengthen diagnostic and treatment services at Children Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Multan. By expanding infrastructure and providing medical equipment, the project will help the hospital function more effectively as a tertiary care center.
It will also support its role as a response center during emergencies and disasters in the region. Health officials say the upgrades are needed to meet the growing demand for care of high-risk newborns and children suffering from serious illnesses or injuries.
At present, many patients are referred to hospitals in other cities due to limited facilities. The new project is expected to reduce this burden by improving local treatment options.
The project is also expected to benefit children from neighboring provinces who seek treatment in Multan. Improved access to care may help reduce delays in treatment and improve health outcomes for young patients.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi said the agreement marked another step in Japan’s cooperation with Pakistan in the health sector. He expressed confidence that the project would help improve child health services in South Punjab and other areas.
JICA Pakistan Office Chief Representative Miyata Naoaki said the project would support progress toward sustainable development goals. He added that improved facilities could help reduce infant mortality rates and strengthen emergency care for children.
Officials further stated that the new facility would also support medical education and training. As a modern teaching hospital, it is expected to ease pressure on tertiary hospitals in nearby cities. The project is also expected to improve access to care for families across South Punjab and increase chances of saving lives through timely treatment.
Published in The NEWS on January 14, 2025.
