Japan provides $147 million loan for new neurology and stroke center in Tashkent
Uzbekistan and Japan Sign Loan Agreement to Improve Healthcare Services
On January 20, 2025, a significant agreement was reached at the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan. Japan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan, H.E. Hatori Takashi, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, came together to sign exchange notes for a yen loan under the “Project to Improve Healthcare and Medical Services.” The total loan amount is valued at ¥22.953 billion ($147 million) and will be issued under special economic cooperation terms.
The necessity for this project stems from Uzbekistan’s economic growth and societal changes which have resulted in an increase in deaths caused by non-communicable diseases such as strokes. In the capital city of Tashkent, the inadequacy of specialized hospitals for neurological diseases has been a pressing issue. Furthermore, tertiary healthcare facilities in other regions often lack proper medical equipment to effectively treat neurological disorders, resulting in delayed access to essential medical care.
To tackle these challenges head-on, the project’s main objective is to develop a Neurology and Stroke Center in Tashkent and furnish it with state-of-the-art medical equipment. Additionally, medical facilities in Samarkand and Bukhara will receive upgraded equipment to enhance the treatment of non-communicable diseases, particularly neurological conditions.
The ultimate goal of the project is to elevate the quality of healthcare services, specifically in the realm of non-communicable diseases, and bolster the overall health of Uzbekistan’s population. Moreover, the establishment of the center as a training ground for medical personnel will further progress the country’s medical education system.
Key details of the loan terms include an interest rate of 0.50% (standard rate) and 0.40% for advisory services, along with a substantial repayment period of 40 years, which includes a 10-year grace period.
The collaborative effort between Uzbekistan and Japan signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing healthcare services and cultivating a healthier future for the Uzbek population.
