Materia Medica Malaysiana

Japan Donates Breast Scanning Machine To NSFPA

The Japanese government has donated a breast scanning machine under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Scheme as its contribution towards enhancing health and quality of life of women in the state.
The ultrasound breast probe worth US$5,264 (RM20,032) was presented by the Economic Counselor of the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia Shinichi Hasono to the Negeri Sembilan Family Planning Association (NSFPA) President Datuk Dr Loke King Loong, here hursday.
The machine was purchased following the signing of an agreement between the Japanese government and NSFPA in February this year.
Hosono said the donation was the second contribution from the Japanese government to the NSFPA. The first was an ultrasound scanning machine in 2002.
The machine would benefit more than 10,000 women in Negeri Sembilan were hoping for medical check-ups for breast cancer currently, he said, noting that "this could lead to effective treatment in the early detection of breast cancer."
He said since 1989, Japan had donated about RM9.2 million through 86 projects, to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as well as local governments in Malaysia under the scheme with a view to assisting small but socially important projects at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile Loke said the ultrasound scanner and the breast probe would be made available to the women at very nominal charges.
He added these efforts showed the association's commitment in improving its clinical services by keeping abreast with the latest technology.
"Being a non-profit organisation with over 40 years of existence, the association had progressed through leaps and bounds to provide essential family planning cum sexual reproductive health care services to the people of Negeri Sembilan.
"NSFPA is complementing the Malaysian government's good work towards enhancing family health," he said.