ABBOTTABAD: Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Akamatsu Shuichi, on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed eyecare facility in Tehsil Havelian, District Abbottabad, aimed at providing cataract surgeries and advanced ophthalmic services to underserved communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The project was implemented by the Lok Sudhar Association, a non-governmental organisation working to strengthen essential eyecare services in the region. It was funded by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, with financial assistance of $51,407 allocated in 2024 for the construction of the facility and the procurement of modern ophthalmology equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of various eye diseases, including cataracts.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials from the Japanese Embassy, members of the NGO’s board, and representatives of the local community.
With over 25 years of experience in community development and social sector initiatives, the Lok Sudhar Association has partnered with multiple donors to deliver projects aimed at improving public welfare. The Japan-funded initiative has significantly enhanced the quality of eyecare services in Havelian, enabling residents of the area to access cataract surgery locally for the first time.
The facility serves a population of more than 350,000 people in Tehsil Havelian and surrounding areas. Since the project’s completion, nearly 30,000 patients have received treatment, while 1,260 cataract surgeries have been performed at the centre within a year. The availability of local services has helped reduce both the financial and physical burden on elderly and vulnerable patients, who previously faced delays in obtaining timely medical care.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the Lok Sudhar Association on the successful completion of the project and reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting affordable healthcare in Pakistan. He noted that access to quality medical treatment is essential for social prosperity and affirmed that the Government of Japan would continue to assist the people of Pakistan in improving their living standards. He also expressed hope that the project would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
