Skopje 31 August 2022 (MIA) - Two key projects funded by Japan's Grant Assistance for Grass Roots and Human Security Projects (GGP), estimated at nearly EUR 160,000, have been concluded. Starting today, patients treated for cardiovascular diseases at the 8 September General Hospital will be diagnosed and treated with the new digital mobile angiogram, worth almost EUR 100,000, Health Minister Bekim Sali said attending a handover event for the medical devices provided by the Japanese embassy to the Skopje hospital. Calling it an important donation, Sali said it is estimated that the device will double the capacity for cardiological procedures in the hospital. He also thanked the Japanese embassy for the new angiogram. "Even though the grant program was close to EUR 80,000, with their efforts the limit was pushed, which allowed this modern device and equipment to be available to our people. The benefits are also important from the installation of a digital ultrasound device of the interventional radiology department for the diagnosis of patients with cancerous diseases of internal organs, costing EUR 61,000," said the Minister. Over 60 projects in the healthcare sector, valued at EUR three million in medical equipment, renovation of hospitals, ambulances, etc, have been funded so far through the Japanese grant program. In the past two years, Japan donated to healthcare institutions medical equipment in amount of EU 813,000 as emergency aid during the Covid pandemic, said Sali. Japan donated to the 8 September General Hospital a Canon ultrasound digital device for the cardio-surgery and cardiology wards. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are one of the leading causes of mortality in North Macedonia, said Japanese Ambassador Hironori Sawada. "The Japanese people are proud to be helping the Macedonian people to be provided with better healthcare conditions," he said addressing the event noting that Japan since 1996 has supported projects in healthcare, education and the environment in North Macedonia. Japan's support so far is estimated at EUR 8.5 million for 171 GGP projects. "As part of the Western Balkans initiative, Japan is strongly committed to supporting North Macedonia in social and economic development, which is important for the EU integration as well. I hope we will be able to support the healthcare sector and its capacities in the future," said Sawada.