The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement of Nu 2bn for the construction of the Royal Centre for Infectious Diseases today. The grant will be used to establish a specialised hospital at Gidakom in Thimphu, focusing on infectious disease treatment.
The signing of today’s grant agreement is an increase of Nu 413 M from the initial agreement of Nu 1.6bn signed in September 2022.
The increase in the grant amount, according to the officials from JICA, is to cover the increase in cost in the construction sector.
The officials said once complete the centre will focus on preventing and managing infectious diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and unforeseen pandemics like COVID-19.
The officials added that the centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive clinical and public health capabilities for the prevention and management of infectious diseases.
The construction of the centre will begin latest by September and is expected to be completed in the next two years.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Phub Gyem
