In a major boost to pediatric care in Pakistan’s underserved southern regions, Japan has committed 2,910 million Japanese Yen (approximately $18.62 million) to fund the Project for the Improvement of Child Health Care Facilities in South Punjab. The landmark agreement was formalized on January 13, 2026, in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in Japan-Pakistan development cooperation focused on child health and emergency response.
The Exchange of Notes was signed by H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, and Mr. Muhammad Humair Karim, Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Following this, the Grant Agreement was exchanged between Mr. MIYATA Naoaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, and Mr. Miran Mohiyuddin Soomro, Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
This collaboration, implemented through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), underscores Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development in Pakistan.
Features of the New Child Health Facility
At the heart of the project is the construction of a state-of-the-art child health care facility at Children’s Hospital Multan, the leading public tertiary-care pediatric institution serving as the regional hub for Multan district and surrounding areas.
The expanded facility will include specialized departments:
- Emergency Services
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Pediatric Surgery
- Advanced Laboratory Services
These additions will dramatically strengthen diagnostic capabilities, treatment protocols, and emergency response for high-risk neonates, infants, and children facing serious illnesses or injuries.
Broader Impact: A Regional Hub for Pediatric Excellence
Beyond infrastructure upgrades, the project aims to:
- Enhance the hospital’s role as a specialized tertiary care center and disaster response hub for South Punjab.
- Provide modern medical equipment to meet international standards.
- Reduce pressure on overburdened tertiary hospitals in neighboring cities.
- Improve accessibility for families across southern Punjab and adjacent provinces.
- Serve as a center of excellence and modern teaching hospital for medical training.
By addressing gaps in pediatric emergency and critical care, the initiative directly contributes to lowering infant and child mortality rates—aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
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Signing Ceremony
H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, emphasized the project’s long-term value: “Today’s signing marks an important step in our continued cooperation to improve the quality of health services for children in Pakistan. I am confident that this project will make a significant contribution to pediatric health care in South Punjab and beyond.”
Mr. MIYATA Naoaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, highlighted its alignment with global goals: “This project will help in achieving the targets of sustainable development goals by reducing the infant mortality rates and raising the standard of pediatric emergency care.”
Why This Matters for South Punjab and Pakistan
South Punjab has long faced challenges in accessing advanced pediatric care, particularly for emergencies and complex cases. The new facility will not only save lives by offering timely, high-quality interventions but also ease the burden on healthcare systems in Lahore, Faisalabad, and other major cities.
For families in remote or rural areas, improved accessibility means better chances of survival for critically ill children—turning what was once a distant hope into a tangible reality.
Japan-Pakistan Partnership: Investing in the Next Generation
This grant reflects Japan’s consistent focus on human security and social development in Pakistan. By prioritizing child health—a foundational element for national progress—both nations are investing in a healthier, more resilient future.
As construction begins and equipment arrives, Children’s Hospital Multan is poised to become a beacon of modern pediatric care in the region, delivering hope and healing to thousands of vulnerable children.
