Kawamura Hiroaki, a 34-year-old volunteer from Hokkaido, serves as a rehabilitation technician in JICA's volunteer program. Despite language, cultural, and pandemicrelated challenges, Hiro has dedicated himself to assisting patients at Quang Tri General Hospital. His main objective is to provide the best possible care for patients and share his extensive medical knowledge with Vietnamese doctors.
Within the Rehabilitation Department of Quang Tri General Hospital, Hiro aided Pham Thi Nga, an elderly patient, in putting on her coat for practice. Going above and beyond, Hiro kneeled down to help Nga with her jacket and even provided her with a walking stick. He performed his tasks with such joy and skill that onlookers might mistake them for a mother and son.
Nga, a 70-year-old woman originally from Thanh Hoa but now residing in Quang Tri, has suffered from two strokes. This year, she has received three rounds of rehabilitation treatment at Quang Tri General Hospital under Hiro's care.
Through arm and hand massages, Hiro guided Nga in moving her hands, advising her to keep them relaxed. Despite his imperfect command of Vietnamese, he makes an effort to communicate with his patients effectively.
Patients who come to Quang Tri General Hospital for rehabilitation treatment feel a renewed sense of childlike wonder as they regain their ability to speak or perform even the simplest tasks. Pham Thi Nga's daughter expressed gratitude, saying, "The way Hiro applies acupressure and walks with my mother has greatly contributed to her progress. He has become a member of our family".
After assisting Nga, Hiro proceeded to instruct another patient on how to ride a bicycle. When the patient's foot slips off the pedal, leaving her paralyzed leg in a helpless state, Hiro promptly repositioned her foot. With each patient, Hiro displays thoughtfulness and a sense of humor.
Hiro stands out as one of the first JICA volunteers to arrive in Vietnam after a year-long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2021, Hiro has been devotedly working at Quang Tri General Hospital. Patients in the department quickly become accustomed to Hiro's presence and thoroughly enjoy his treatments.
"This is my first time living and working abroad. The warmth and support from my Vietnamese colleagues motivate me greatly. I feel overjoyed," Hiro said.
Additionally, Hiro generously imparts his knowledge from Japan to his Vietnamese colleagues. He educates them on techniques for rehabilitating acute stroke patients, emphasizes the importance of early mobilization, and provides insights into Japan's health insurance system.
The JICA volunteer program started in Vietnam in 1995. More than 700 Japanese volunteers have come to Vietnam, working in dozens of provinces, including remote areas.
"This marks the second time our hospital has welcomed a JICA volunteer. Patients appreciate the assistance provided by volunteers, and Vietnamese doctors and technicians gain valuable experiences," said the senior doctor.
Hiro hardly has any time to feel homesick. Patients who have been discharged from the hospital maintain contact with him, expressing gratitude and updating him on their progress as they continue their rehabilitation at home. Some even record videos and capture photos of their home exercises to share with Hiro. His actions transcend mere professional responsibility and reflect a genuine bond and heartfelt connection./.
"Vietnam is one of the first countries where Japan brought back the JICA volunteer program after the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past 26 years, the volunteer program in Vietnam has been very successful".
(Shimizu Akira - Chief Representative of JICA in Vietnam)
By Viet Cuong/VNP Translated by Hong Hanh
