Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, on Tuesday inaugurated a newly constructed eye care facility in Tehsil Havelian of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Abbottabad district, marking a significant boost to ophthalmic services in the region.

The project was implemented by the Lok Sudhar Association, a non-governmental organization working to improve essential eye care services for underserved communities in Havelian. 

Funded by the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, the initiative received financial assistance amounting to $51,407, allocated in 2024. 

The grant covered the construction of the facility as well as the provision of advanced ophthalmology equipment used for diagnosing various eye diseases and performing cataract surgeries.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by officials from the Japanese Embassy, members of the NGO’s board, and representatives of the local community.

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With more than 25 years of experience in community uplift and social sector development, the Lok Sudhar Association has collaborated with multiple donors to deliver impactful projects. The Japan-funded initiative has significantly improved the quality of eye care services in Havelian and has enabled residents to access cataract surgery locally for the first time.

The project addresses the pressing medical needs of over 350,000 people in Tehsil Havelian and surrounding areas. Since its completion, nearly 30,000 patients have received treatment at the facility, while 1,260 cataract surgeries have been performed within a single year. The availability of these services locally has substantially reduced both the financial and physical burden on elderly and vulnerable patients, who previously faced delays in receiving timely medical care due to long travel distances.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the Lok Sudhar Association on the successful completion of the project and emphasized that access to affordable healthcare remains one of Japan’s top assistance priorities for Pakistan. 

He noted that access to quality medical treatment is a fundamental requirement for social prosperity and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing support for the people of Pakistan to help improve their living standards. He also expressed hope that the project would further strengthen the longstanding friendship between the people of Japan and Pakistan.