The Government of Japan is providing €194,299 (approx. 380,015 BAM) in grant funds for projects at the health care centers in Jablanica and Lopare. The grant contracts were signed by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. AIKI Toshihiro, and the directors of the two institutions – Mrs. Alma Budim-Hondo and Mr. Dušan Sakotić – on November 17, 2025, at the Ambassador’s Residence.
At the beginning of the ceremony, His Excellency Mr. AIKI Toshihiro recalled the recent floods in Jablanica, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, and emphasized the crucial role played by the Jablanica Health Center in assisting the injured.
“This is the second time the Government of Japan is providing support, and we hope that this assistance will strengthen the work of the health center in Jablanica, the ambulance service, and the gynecology department, which serve more than seven thousand patients annually,” Ambassador AIKI said.
He added that the purchase of a new X-ray machine for the Health Care Centre Dr. Rosa Hadživušković in Lopare will allow for more precise diagnoses for approximately three thousand patients each year.
“Japan has contributed to nation-building and economic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina for about thirty years since the end of the war. BiH has achieved economic growth and is no longer in a position to receive large grants as in the past. However, we would like to continue supporting projects that directly benefit the citizens of BiH,” the Ambassador added.
“Your support means a great deal to our Health Center, as it will allow us to improve care for young people and pregnant women, facilitate access for persons with disabilities, modernize patient transportation, and continue the ongoing education of our staff. For us, this donation is not only material help – it is an expression of friendship, understanding, and shared concern for people’s health,” was stated by Ms. Alma Budim-Hondo, Director of the Jablanica Health Center.
For his part, Mr. Dušan Sakotić, Director of the Lopare Health Center, said that he would like to express his sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Japan, as well as the Embassy of Japan in Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the generous donation of a digital X-ray device.
“Your support represents a major contribution to raising health care services to a higher level. Until now, our patients had to travel to our main center ‘Sveti Vračevi’ in Bijeljina for detailed diagnostics. After installing this device, we will be able to provide the same service within our Health Center. This donation will have long-term significance for our work and for the well-being of the citizens we serve. Without your help, we would not have been able to secure the purchase of this equipment without taking on debt,” he concluded.
A total of €115,305 (approx. 225,515 BAM) was granted for the project aimed at improving the Health Care Centre in Jablanica and its ambulance services. This support will enhance the quality of medical services for more than 7,000 patients annually.
For the provision of the X-ray machine for the Health Care Centre Dr. Rosa Hadživušković in Lopare, the Government of Japan granted €78,994 (approx. 154,500 BAM). Through this project, approximately 3,000 patients who require X-ray examinations each year will benefit from faster procedures and more accurate diagnoses.
Since 1996, the Government of Japan has supported key sectors in Bosnia and Herzegovina – including health care and education – through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Over the past 29 years, Japan has approved more than €20 million (approx. 39 million BAM) in grants for BiH.
