Ulaanbaatar, January 10, 2024 /MONTSAME/. The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects of the Government of Japan will fund the interior renovation of the General Hospital of Khuvsgul Aimag. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Igawahara Masaru and Governor of Khuvsgul aimag P. Lkhagvajav signed the project contract on January 9, 2024. 

Under the project the third and fourth floors of the General Hospital will undergo renovations, including: 

• Replacing existing flooring, 
• Updating walls and ceilings, 
• Installing new doors and windows, 
• Upgrading plumbing fixtures, including sinks, toilets, and drainage systems, 
• Installing a new ventilation system, emergency lighting, and a fire alarm system, 
• Modernizing the electrical system with new interior lighting, switches, sockets, and power lines, 
• Equipping  with a modern communication system, 
• Repairing water and sewer lines. 

The upcoming renovations will elevate the hospital's hygiene and environmental standards, enabling the aimag's residents to receive healthcare in a safe and healthy setting, officials say. 

At the Signing Ceremony of the Project, Ambassador Igawahara Masaru stated, "I assumed my office on December 2, 2023. It is my very first signing of the year for a project under the Japanese Government's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. We understand that the main building of the Khuvsgul Aimag’s General Hospital, which provides vital health care to Khuvsgul aimag residents, is significantly dilapidated due to years of service. We hope this project will create conditions that the aimag's residents receive health care in a safe and healthy environment. I respectfully request the Governor of Khuvsgul aimag, to take charge of overseeing and managing effectively the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, which is funded by the tax contributions of the Japanese people. Additionally, I earnestly urge relevant officials to take care of the renovated hospital. Khuvsgul aimag is endowed with abundant tourism resources, including Mongolia's largest freshwater lake and majestic mountains. I believe that with such valuable assets, Khuvsgul aimag will further develop more and more.” 

Founded in 1971, Khuvsgul Aimag's General Hospital has 355 inpatient beds and employs 344 staff. Its 18 departments offer healthcare services to over 140,000 residents of the aimag. 

Deputy Chairman of the State Great Khural of Mongolia L. Munkhbaatar noted, “The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects" has been actively implemented in Khuvsgul aimag since 1996. Over this period, 30 projects have been financed with USD 2.5 million,  and successfully implemented. This time, the Khuvsgul Aimag's General Hospital will undergo major renovation work with a budget of MNT 853 million.” 

The Government of Japan has implemented the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in Mongolia for 34 years, since 1990. The Hospital Renovation Project is the 598th project funded under the Grant Assistance and the 30th in Khuvsgul aimag. The maximum funding limit for this project is USD 247,894.

The Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects is a collaborative project involving city and local governments, education and health organizations, and Japan's diplomatic missions abroad. Funding is provided to projects that directly benefit  local residents.