Monday, April 25, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Field Analyser donated to Rose Cambodia Sight Center
Another successful mission to the Rose Eye Clinic in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has been completed. Pictured is Rose NZ Trustee Mike Webber and Dr Vra with the Humphrey Field Analyser. All the people in the clinic were absolutely thrilled with the gifted equipment, and could not wait to get taught how to use the gear."
The Rose Charities Eye Clinic in Phnom Penh has just received a major boost, with the arrival of high-tech equipment donated from the New Zealand optom community and a visit from Rose Trustee optometrist Mike Webber with technician Neville Wood.
Three instruments were air-freighted up early this year with the help of one of the Rose team’s guardian angels, Agility Logistics of Lower Hutt. Other benefactors, the PIF Foundation, Peter and Sylvia Aitchison, Sidonia and Adam Pertschy (of Germany ), Mrs Angela Aitken and Mrs Sue Forrest, met the cost of freight and air fares for Mike and Neville.
The three instruments are a Millenium Phaco machine used in cataract surgery, donated by Christchurch’s St Georges Hospital; a Humphrey Field Analyser used for early detection of conditions like glaucoma which cause blindness, donated by the Eye Department, Whanganui Hospital, and an autoclave donated by Alpha Technical Services, of Palmerston North.
As well, a chance encounter with a millionaire “refugee” from New York during the recent visit to Phnom Penh by Rose General Secretary Dr Will Grut has led to a $US17,000 YAG laser being given to the clinic.
The high-level equipment is in the good hands of the medical director Dr Hang Vra, who has just completed his postgraduate ophthalmology exams with top honours, and his wife Nathalie, who is topping her class as she completes her medical degree, having trained as a nurse in the Ukraine.
“Vra and Natalie have both done so well with their studies, while they work so hard for the hundreds of patients who arrive at the clinic every week,” said Mike Webber. “It is really rewarding for them and all the Rose supporters to see the first-class equipment in place.” With these latest instruments the clinic has everything it needs for the foreseeable future.
But changes are afoot. During Mike’s visit an early morning blessing ceremony was held before work begins on a new building that will become both home for Vra and Nathalie and their three sons and a new clinic where paying patients will be treated.
“In Cambodia, you don’t talk about private and public,” says Mike. “It is rich and poor. Vra will earn more money to educate his sons by establishing this new clinic. But he and Nathalie are totally committed to helping the poor as well. I feel confident the balance between their new clinic and the existing one will work out well.
“Things are rapidly changing in Cambodia, and already the city boundary has been extended past the section owned by Nathalie, which is about 15kms north of the present clinic along the main road to Siem Riep.
“So in all I believe that Rose NZ can be proud of what has been achieved over the past six years at the clinic. It is now running splendidly, with
good outcomes for the patients, and I believe that Vra and his team are running the show very well with less input from us as time goes on. They
will still need the occasional input and advice over time, but it wiil get less as their expertise increases. They are all so grateful for all the support from Rose Charities, both from Canada and New Zealand.”
The Rose Charities Eye Clinic in Phnom Penh has just received a major boost, with the arrival of high-tech equipment donated from the New Zealand optom community and a visit from Rose Trustee optometrist Mike Webber with technician Neville Wood.
Three instruments were air-freighted up early this year with the help of one of the Rose team’s guardian angels, Agility Logistics of Lower Hutt. Other benefactors, the PIF Foundation, Peter and Sylvia Aitchison, Sidonia and Adam Pertschy (of Germany ), Mrs Angela Aitken and Mrs Sue Forrest, met the cost of freight and air fares for Mike and Neville.
The three instruments are a Millenium Phaco machine used in cataract surgery, donated by Christchurch’s St Georges Hospital; a Humphrey Field Analyser used for early detection of conditions like glaucoma which cause blindness, donated by the Eye Department, Whanganui Hospital, and an autoclave donated by Alpha Technical Services, of Palmerston North.
As well, a chance encounter with a millionaire “refugee” from New York during the recent visit to Phnom Penh by Rose General Secretary Dr Will Grut has led to a $US17,000 YAG laser being given to the clinic.
The high-level equipment is in the good hands of the medical director Dr Hang Vra, who has just completed his postgraduate ophthalmology exams with top honours, and his wife Nathalie, who is topping her class as she completes her medical degree, having trained as a nurse in the Ukraine.
“Vra and Natalie have both done so well with their studies, while they work so hard for the hundreds of patients who arrive at the clinic every week,” said Mike Webber. “It is really rewarding for them and all the Rose supporters to see the first-class equipment in place.” With these latest instruments the clinic has everything it needs for the foreseeable future.
But changes are afoot. During Mike’s visit an early morning blessing ceremony was held before work begins on a new building that will become both home for Vra and Nathalie and their three sons and a new clinic where paying patients will be treated.
“In Cambodia, you don’t talk about private and public,” says Mike. “It is rich and poor. Vra will earn more money to educate his sons by establishing this new clinic. But he and Nathalie are totally committed to helping the poor as well. I feel confident the balance between their new clinic and the existing one will work out well.
“Things are rapidly changing in Cambodia, and already the city boundary has been extended past the section owned by Nathalie, which is about 15kms north of the present clinic along the main road to Siem Riep.
“So in all I believe that Rose NZ can be proud of what has been achieved over the past six years at the clinic. It is now running splendidly, with
good outcomes for the patients, and I believe that Vra and his team are running the show very well with less input from us as time goes on. They
will still need the occasional input and advice over time, but it wiil get less as their expertise increases. They are all so grateful for all the support from Rose Charities, both from Canada and New Zealand.”
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tsunami relief Japan: update 14th April 2011
After one month has passed since the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that hit north-east Japan, people in the afflicted regions participated in a silent prayer on Apr. 11th. Even now, innumerable aftershocks are shaking the country which is causing the delay in the recovery of infrastructures and giving people high level of stress. Meanwhile, schools and hospitals are gradually getting back to normal with people making efforts towards it.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
In order to uplift children's mood, toys and stuffed animals of a popular Japanese cartoon character was donated in response to the call for help from AMDA's pediatrician. The "Anpanman Program", named after the character, was initiated in line with the ongoing mobile clinic services which provides recreation time for children besides medical treatments. While a number of stressed-related ailments are seen among patients, the program aims to take care of children's mental health and put them at ease.
Other than the above, many patients complain of troubles with their eyes as they are exposed to the powder dust from the rubble. A nutritional program has also been implemented to improve the unbalanced diet of the evacuees and plans are underway to provide vitamin supplements as well.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
While mobile clinic services were delivered to Omori district in Minamisanriku-cho, the local Shizugawa Hospital has taken over the temporary prefabricated clinics from the Israeli medical team. The hospital has put its hands on resuming their regular operations and is expected to be normalized gradually.
Norovirus is still prevalent in Minamisanriku-cho, however, the preventive/hygiene measures implemented by AMDA have been effective in controlling the outbreak. From now on, hygiene awareness will be very important due to the arrival of a warmer season. There are 5 norovirus patients out of 360 evacuees at Shizugawa Elementary School.
After receiving the above report, AMDA sent relief goods such as vitamin supplements, dust-proof goggles and paper towels to both Iwate and Miyagi.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel:
23rd group: 1 acupuncture therapist, 1 nurse (Apr. 11th)
24th group: 2 doctors (including AMDA President) (Apr. 12th)
Total number of AMDA¡Çs relief personnel (as of Apr. 12th): 131
48 doctors, 27 nurses, 3 midwives, 2 assistant nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 43 coordinators (including interpreters), 2 careworkers, 1 acupuncture therapist
Monday, April 11, 2011
Tsunami relief: update 11th April 2011: Singer Takeshi Kitayama visits area..
(2011-04-11) 
On Apr. 10th a number of volunteers gathered at a local temple in Okayama (home to AMDA) to sort out gifts to be sent to the disaster victims in Ohstuchicho and Kamaishi City in Iwate Pref. 1,500 sets of gifts (originally donated by high school students from Hiroshima) will be sent to the afflicted sites on Apr. 11th.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
The recovery of electricity had brought back town lights and re-operated traffic lights, however, the power went out again after the earthquake which occurred on Apr. 7th. Many people in the area became very downhearted about this as having electricity restored had been a very significant point int the recovery process.
Besides the ongoing medical services, AMDA set a playroom for children and also held a little sport event and a movie-viewing to lighten the stress of the evacuees.
Now that 10 % of the elderly are becoming bedridden, the need for nursing is increasing. AMDA is offering blood tests and other medical check in its mobile medical trailer.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
On Apr. 8th a renowned Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama, visited Shizugawa Elementary School in response to AMDA's call for help to ease the suffering of the victims.
After his hearty a cappela performance that arose a touching moment, Kitayama went around the evacuees and gave them warm words of encouragement to show his care.
Minamisanriku-cho still faces the lack of lifelines including water, electricity and gas (as well as gasoline,) however, sign of recovery is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, AMDA will continue to battle the spread of norovirus by sending additional medical personnel and relief supplies.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel:
21st group: 2 nurses (Apr. 9th)
22nd group: 2 doctors, 1 nurse, 1 coordinator (Apr. 10th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 10th): 128
46 doctors, 26 nurses, 3 midwives, 2 assistant nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 43 coordinators (including interpreters), 2 careworkers, 1 singer
On Apr. 10th a number of volunteers gathered at a local temple in Okayama (home to AMDA) to sort out gifts to be sent to the disaster victims in Ohstuchicho and Kamaishi City in Iwate Pref. 1,500 sets of gifts (originally donated by high school students from Hiroshima) will be sent to the afflicted sites on Apr. 11th.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
The recovery of electricity had brought back town lights and re-operated traffic lights, however, the power went out again after the earthquake which occurred on Apr. 7th. Many people in the area became very downhearted about this as having electricity restored had been a very significant point int the recovery process.
Besides the ongoing medical services, AMDA set a playroom for children and also held a little sport event and a movie-viewing to lighten the stress of the evacuees.
Now that 10 % of the elderly are becoming bedridden, the need for nursing is increasing. AMDA is offering blood tests and other medical check in its mobile medical trailer.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
On Apr. 8th a renowned Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama, visited Shizugawa Elementary School in response to AMDA's call for help to ease the suffering of the victims.
After his hearty a cappela performance that arose a touching moment, Kitayama went around the evacuees and gave them warm words of encouragement to show his care.
Minamisanriku-cho still faces the lack of lifelines including water, electricity and gas (as well as gasoline,) however, sign of recovery is yet to be seen. Meanwhile, AMDA will continue to battle the spread of norovirus by sending additional medical personnel and relief supplies.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel:
21st group: 2 nurses (Apr. 9th)
22nd group: 2 doctors, 1 nurse, 1 coordinator (Apr. 10th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 10th): 128
46 doctors, 26 nurses, 3 midwives, 2 assistant nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 43 coordinators (including interpreters), 2 careworkers, 1 singer
Saturday, April 9, 2011
CIEAF/Kayama Enterprises fundraiser for AMDA Relief - big success
 |
| Dr Collin Yong receives cheque from Consul General Ito and Committee |
Fundraiser, Richmond, B.C. 8th April 2011, a big success ! : the fundraising dinner held at the Continental restaurant on Cambie and No 5 Road was packed. Organizers and honorary guests gave presentations. Dr Collin Yong (Rose Charities / AMDA Canada) spoke on the current situation and emergency relief and AMDA' background. There was beautiful live koto music.
Finally Dr Yong accepted the hugely generous cheque for $35,000 for AMDA Japan relief. The final donation total however was over CAD 50,000 ie when all the profits from the evening were counted.
Organizer : CIEAF (Canadian International Education Assistance Foundation) – http://www.cieaf.com/
a registered charity organization with focus help children rehabilitate psychologically and educationally in post disaster and post traumatic scenarios.
Committee:
CIEAF
Steveston Community Center (Honorable Adviser) President – Jim Kojimma
Steveston Buddhist Temple (Honorable Adviser) President – Bud Sakamooto
Kayama Enterprises Ltd (From Commercial Sector) Daniel Leung & Doug Yokoyama (the two persons with the inspiration for the event)
 | |
| From left: Dr Collin Yong, Mme Janice Johnston, Mr Louis Lap Nguyen |
AMDA
Supported by :
Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver – Consulate General Mr. Hideki Itoo
Generous donations came in by word of mouth and several companies donated from their sales.
Then at the dinnerFundraising Dinner, 54 tables (10 persons each) were made available and tickets sold for CAD 58 / person.
The Continental Restaurant donated the majority of the food.
It is almost impossible to praise the generosity, initiative and achievement of the organizers and those who supported more highly. It was an outstanding evening, both enjoyable and charitable.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Japan tsunami relief: 8th April 2011
(2011-04-08) 
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
AMDA has been continuing medical treatments at the evacuation centers and mobile clinic services in the vicinity. The common ailments include chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes as well as common cold, hay fever, gastroenteritis, tetanus and so on.
In consideration of the prolonged evacuation life, partition walls are now provided to the families in securing privacy.
Also to keep the elderly away from becoming bedridden or economy-class syndrome, gym machines were installed at the evacuation centers to encourage their physical exercise. About fifty people are using the facility on average per day.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Miamisanriku-cho):
The decline in the number of evacuees is currently seen at Shizugawa Elementary School; the number has decreased from 250 to 200.
Two electric generators were delivered to an evacuation shelter that did not have electricity. From now on they are able to use electricity in the room where norovirus patients have been isolated.
On Apr. 4th AMDA sent one psychiatrist and one nurse to Minamisanriku-cho to provide mental care for the evacuees withstanding this hardship. As there are several evacuees suffering from panic disorders, the need for continuous mental care became visible.
While counter measures for norovirus have been carried out, AMDA decided to send supplies such as bleach and other sanitary goods to reinforce the efforts.
Visit by a famous Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama:
As part of AMDA's assistance, on Apr. 8th AMDA sent a renowned Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama to the evacuation center to entertain and ease the fatigue of the evacuees. According to AMDA President Dr. Suganami, music is one of the most effective means to ease their feelings while tough evacuation life continues in the afflicted sites.
His hearty a cappela performance resonated with the hearts of the evacuees, many of them bursted into tears listening to him.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel:
19th team: 2 doctors/interpreters, 1 doctor, 1 nurse (Apr. 4th)
20th team: 2 doctors, 2 nurses, 1 assistant nurse, 2 coordinators (Apr. 8th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 8th): 121
44 doctors, 23 nurses, 3 midwives, 2 assistant nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 42 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 2 careworkers
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
AMDA has been continuing medical treatments at the evacuation centers and mobile clinic services in the vicinity. The common ailments include chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes as well as common cold, hay fever, gastroenteritis, tetanus and so on.
In consideration of the prolonged evacuation life, partition walls are now provided to the families in securing privacy.
Also to keep the elderly away from becoming bedridden or economy-class syndrome, gym machines were installed at the evacuation centers to encourage their physical exercise. About fifty people are using the facility on average per day.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Miamisanriku-cho):
The decline in the number of evacuees is currently seen at Shizugawa Elementary School; the number has decreased from 250 to 200.
Two electric generators were delivered to an evacuation shelter that did not have electricity. From now on they are able to use electricity in the room where norovirus patients have been isolated.
On Apr. 4th AMDA sent one psychiatrist and one nurse to Minamisanriku-cho to provide mental care for the evacuees withstanding this hardship. As there are several evacuees suffering from panic disorders, the need for continuous mental care became visible.
While counter measures for norovirus have been carried out, AMDA decided to send supplies such as bleach and other sanitary goods to reinforce the efforts.
Visit by a famous Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama:
As part of AMDA's assistance, on Apr. 8th AMDA sent a renowned Japanese singer, Takeshi Kitayama to the evacuation center to entertain and ease the fatigue of the evacuees. According to AMDA President Dr. Suganami, music is one of the most effective means to ease their feelings while tough evacuation life continues in the afflicted sites.
His hearty a cappela performance resonated with the hearts of the evacuees, many of them bursted into tears listening to him.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel:
19th team: 2 doctors/interpreters, 1 doctor, 1 nurse (Apr. 4th)
20th team: 2 doctors, 2 nurses, 1 assistant nurse, 2 coordinators (Apr. 8th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 8th): 121
44 doctors, 23 nurses, 3 midwives, 2 assistant nurses, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 42 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 2 careworkers
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Japan tsunami relief and community rehabiliation: update 6th April 2011
(2011-04-06) 
'AMDA to Support Local Doctors by Donating Temporary-Clinic Units'
AMDA President, Dr. Shigeru Suganami held a press conference at AMDA Headquarters in Okayama, Japan on 5th April, announcing that AMDA will complete the emergency relief operations in the afflicted areas by the end of April and shift to rehabilitative assistance. The main project in the next stage will be to donate temporary-clinic units to local doctors whose clinic buildings were destroyed or washed away by the catastrophe.
AMDA has already been providing medical care after setting up a mobile-clinic trailer equipped with devices such as intravenous drip (IV) and electrocardiogram (ED). AMDA is also planning to construct two temporary clinics in Ohtsuchi-cho (Iwate Pref.) and Minamisanriku-cho (Miyagi Pref.) respectively. Setting up a temporary clinic (including various medical equipments and supplies) will cost around 10,000,000 yen (about 118,000 USD).
AMDA has heard that there are a number of town doctors who lost their clinics in the tsunami. Dr. Suganami appealed that there is a need of support in the form of a state-run loan offered to the local doctors in rebuilding their daily operations as soon as possible.
Dr. Suganami also reported that AMDA employed twelve locals as drivers, care workers and operational staff. He appreciated their knowledge of local geography and human relationships which greatly helped AMDA's activities.
From now on, AMDA is going to support the rehabilitation of schools. To begin with, AMDA will give out "back-to-school" kits containing stationery and school bags.
In collaboration with foreign medical organizations, plans are also underway to establish a scholarship program for the local high school students that are aiming to become doctors/nurses in the future.
'AMDA to Support Local Doctors by Donating Temporary-Clinic Units'
AMDA President, Dr. Shigeru Suganami held a press conference at AMDA Headquarters in Okayama, Japan on 5th April, announcing that AMDA will complete the emergency relief operations in the afflicted areas by the end of April and shift to rehabilitative assistance. The main project in the next stage will be to donate temporary-clinic units to local doctors whose clinic buildings were destroyed or washed away by the catastrophe.
AMDA has already been providing medical care after setting up a mobile-clinic trailer equipped with devices such as intravenous drip (IV) and electrocardiogram (ED). AMDA is also planning to construct two temporary clinics in Ohtsuchi-cho (Iwate Pref.) and Minamisanriku-cho (Miyagi Pref.) respectively. Setting up a temporary clinic (including various medical equipments and supplies) will cost around 10,000,000 yen (about 118,000 USD).
AMDA has heard that there are a number of town doctors who lost their clinics in the tsunami. Dr. Suganami appealed that there is a need of support in the form of a state-run loan offered to the local doctors in rebuilding their daily operations as soon as possible.
Dr. Suganami also reported that AMDA employed twelve locals as drivers, care workers and operational staff. He appreciated their knowledge of local geography and human relationships which greatly helped AMDA's activities.
From now on, AMDA is going to support the rehabilitation of schools. To begin with, AMDA will give out "back-to-school" kits containing stationery and school bags.
In collaboration with foreign medical organizations, plans are also underway to establish a scholarship program for the local high school students that are aiming to become doctors/nurses in the future.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Tsunami relief update: 5th April 2011: Rehabilitation continues with medical support for vulnerable groups
(2011-04-05) 
In line with the ongoing medical relief, AMDA has started to shift its relief activities to rehabilitative assistance after three weeks have passed since the earthquake struck.
AMDA President, Dr. Shigeru Suganami, who worked in the afflicted site (Iwate Pref.) until Apr. 1st will be holding a press conference on Apr. 5th to report the progress and further scope of AMDA's relief activities.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
No case of norovirus has been reported at the evacuation shelter, however, cases such as fever and dehydration have been increasing. As April is the beginning of a new school year in Japan, due to the reopening of schools some kind of change can be expected at schools that are currently used as evacuation shelters.
Meanwhile, AMDA received a donation of more than 150 book bags for school children from its donors in Okayama Prefecture, home to AMDA. The bags will be sent to Ohtsuchi Elemetary School in Ohtsuchicho, Iwate Pref. on Apr. 11th.
To help AMDA's activities up and running and also to help create job opportunities, AMDA has hired a total of nine local people in the area which includes a driver, an assistant, a clerk, an acupuncture therapist and so on.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
In response to the inquiry from the Israeli medical team, AMDA has decided to send two additional doctors/interpreters to Minsamisanriku-cho. They are expected to work with the Israeli team in providing coherent medical services for the tsunami survivors.
It is reported that there has been an outbreak of norovirus in Minamisanriku-cho; several patients where also found at Shizugawa Elementary School where AMDA is currently based at. Amongst the patients are of those who will soon be relocated to elsewhere for a mass evacuation, hence AMDA is urgently trying to list them up for further refferal at their destination.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel (as of Apr. 5th):
1 midwife (Apr. 2nd), 1 coordinator (Apr. 2nd), 2 careworkers (Apr. 3rd), 2 doctors/interpreters (Apr. 4th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 5th): 114
41 doctors, 20 nurses, 3 midwives, 1 assistant nurse, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 40 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 4 careworkers
In line with the ongoing medical relief, AMDA has started to shift its relief activities to rehabilitative assistance after three weeks have passed since the earthquake struck.AMDA President, Dr. Shigeru Suganami, who worked in the afflicted site (Iwate Pref.) until Apr. 1st will be holding a press conference on Apr. 5th to report the progress and further scope of AMDA's relief activities.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
No case of norovirus has been reported at the evacuation shelter, however, cases such as fever and dehydration have been increasing. As April is the beginning of a new school year in Japan, due to the reopening of schools some kind of change can be expected at schools that are currently used as evacuation shelters.
Meanwhile, AMDA received a donation of more than 150 book bags for school children from its donors in Okayama Prefecture, home to AMDA. The bags will be sent to Ohtsuchi Elemetary School in Ohtsuchicho, Iwate Pref. on Apr. 11th.
To help AMDA's activities up and running and also to help create job opportunities, AMDA has hired a total of nine local people in the area which includes a driver, an assistant, a clerk, an acupuncture therapist and so on.
Miyagi Pref. (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):In response to the inquiry from the Israeli medical team, AMDA has decided to send two additional doctors/interpreters to Minsamisanriku-cho. They are expected to work with the Israeli team in providing coherent medical services for the tsunami survivors.
It is reported that there has been an outbreak of norovirus in Minamisanriku-cho; several patients where also found at Shizugawa Elementary School where AMDA is currently based at. Amongst the patients are of those who will soon be relocated to elsewhere for a mass evacuation, hence AMDA is urgently trying to list them up for further refferal at their destination.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel (as of Apr. 5th):1 midwife (Apr. 2nd), 1 coordinator (Apr. 2nd), 2 careworkers (Apr. 3rd), 2 doctors/interpreters (Apr. 4th)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel (as of Apr. 5th): 114
41 doctors, 20 nurses, 3 midwives, 1 assistant nurse, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 40 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 4 careworkers
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Tsunami relief: update 2nd April 2011. Focus shifting to rehabilitation...
(2011-04-02) 
After three weeks have passed since the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami, the climate has become relatively mild from the time when the disaster struck Tohoku and Kanto regions. However, whilst the evacuation life prolongs with the recovery of lifelines stagnant at this stage, more and more people have complained a chronic sick feeling.
Emergency medical needs have decreased as a number of medical teams are now active in the devastated sites. Hence, along with the ongoing medical relief activities, AMDA has begun shifting its target to the highly-demanded elderly nursing from Apr. 1st.
AMDA will be launching a nursing-assistance program in collaboration with a Japanese company specialized in the field. From now on, careworkers will be sent to AMDA's work site to work with the existing teams; providing the elderly nursing care in rotation.
As of Apr. 1st, from AMDA there are 24 personnel in Ohtsuchicho (Iwate) and 9 personnel in Minamisanriku-cho (Miyagi) respectively.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
Along with the regular medical services, one of AMDA doctors started to offer acupuncture treatments at Ohtsuchi High School.
Meanwhile, AMDA and its partners, namely, AMDA Indonesia, MERCY Malaysia, Medipeace (Korea), Bangkok Hospital (Thailand) and Network Chikyumura (Japanese NGO) have decided to launch a scholarship program for the disaster victims.
The scholarship is targeted to the high school students in the disaster-stricken areas who wish to become a doctor in the future. Besides financial assistance for three years, the scholarship aims to provide international cultural exchange opportunities through the support organizations.
Miyagi Prefecture (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
At Minamisanriku-cho, it is foreseeable that due to the relocation of the residents (1,100 people) the number of evacuees will decrease from now on. At the same time, the medical supplies have been currently fulfilled.
AMDA held a briefing session on norovirus in preparation to the potential risk of breakout as the sanitary condition in the shelter has been deteriorating due to the prolonged evacuation life.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel (as of April 1st):
2 careworkers for the nursing-assistance program (Ohtsuchicho, Iwate Pref.) (Mar. 31st)
17th team: 8 personnel (2 doctors, 3 nurses, 1 counselor, 2 coordinators) (Apr. 1st)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel as of April 2nd: 108
39 doctors, 20 nurses, 2 midwives, 1 assistant nurse, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 39 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 2 careworkers
After three weeks have passed since the unprecedented earthquake and tsunami, the climate has become relatively mild from the time when the disaster struck Tohoku and Kanto regions. However, whilst the evacuation life prolongs with the recovery of lifelines stagnant at this stage, more and more people have complained a chronic sick feeling.
Emergency medical needs have decreased as a number of medical teams are now active in the devastated sites. Hence, along with the ongoing medical relief activities, AMDA has begun shifting its target to the highly-demanded elderly nursing from Apr. 1st.
AMDA will be launching a nursing-assistance program in collaboration with a Japanese company specialized in the field. From now on, careworkers will be sent to AMDA's work site to work with the existing teams; providing the elderly nursing care in rotation.
As of Apr. 1st, from AMDA there are 24 personnel in Ohtsuchicho (Iwate) and 9 personnel in Minamisanriku-cho (Miyagi) respectively.
Iwate Prefecture (the town of Ohtsuchicho):
Along with the regular medical services, one of AMDA doctors started to offer acupuncture treatments at Ohtsuchi High School.
Meanwhile, AMDA and its partners, namely, AMDA Indonesia, MERCY Malaysia, Medipeace (Korea), Bangkok Hospital (Thailand) and Network Chikyumura (Japanese NGO) have decided to launch a scholarship program for the disaster victims.
The scholarship is targeted to the high school students in the disaster-stricken areas who wish to become a doctor in the future. Besides financial assistance for three years, the scholarship aims to provide international cultural exchange opportunities through the support organizations.
Miyagi Prefecture (the town of Minamisanriku-cho):
At Minamisanriku-cho, it is foreseeable that due to the relocation of the residents (1,100 people) the number of evacuees will decrease from now on. At the same time, the medical supplies have been currently fulfilled.
AMDA held a briefing session on norovirus in preparation to the potential risk of breakout as the sanitary condition in the shelter has been deteriorating due to the prolonged evacuation life.
Latest dispatch of AMDA personnel (as of April 1st):
2 careworkers for the nursing-assistance program (Ohtsuchicho, Iwate Pref.) (Mar. 31st)
17th team: 8 personnel (2 doctors, 3 nurses, 1 counselor, 2 coordinators) (Apr. 1st)
Total number of AMDA's relief personnel as of April 2nd: 108
39 doctors, 20 nurses, 2 midwives, 1 assistant nurse, 3 pharmacists, 2 psychotherapists, 39 coordinators (including assistants and interpreters), 2 careworkers
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