ADB and Turkmenistan Sign Healthcare Agreements
During the visit of Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda to Ashgabat, a meeting was held at the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, resulting in the signing of two documents opening a new chapter in social partnership.
The Turkmen side, implementing large-scale reforms aimed at modernizing the national economy, developing the financial and banking system, and improving the social sector, emphasized its commitment to actively implementing innovation and advanced technologies. It was noted that Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with major financial institutions such as ADB, based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.
During the meeting, an agreement was signed between Turkmenistan and the ADB to finance the construction of a secondary medical school in Ashgabat, as well as a technical assistance document between the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan and the Bank.
According to the ADB, this involves allocating $77 million for a project to improve the quality of training and increase the number of nurses and midwives. Of this amount, $75 million is provided as a loan, and $2 million is a grant from the Japan Fund for a Prosperous and Sustainable Asia. The total cost of the project is estimated at $98 million, including co-financing from the Government of Turkmenistan.
This project, ADB's first healthcare initiative in Turkmenistan, includes the design and construction of a new, climate-resilient building for the Ashgabat School of Nursing. The building will be equipped with modern simulation labs, dormitories, and other advanced resources for practical training. Technical support will be used to update the curriculum and enhance faculty skills in line with international standards.
The signed agreements underscore the parties' commitment to effectively leverage existing opportunities and develop partnerships in new, socially significant areas.
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