Association of Medical Doctors of ASIA, founded in 1984, Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC since 1995

On 29 January, AMDA held a press conference to provide an update on the ongoing relief efforts in response to the Noto peninsula earthquake at Okayama International Center near AMDA Headquarters in Okayama, Japan.

Dr. Takushi Sato, the head of AMDA Japan, and coordinator Akira Onishi, AMDA’s emergency relief chief, explained the current situation in quake-hit Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture. Elaborating on AMDA’s relief work that began on 2 January, the two stressed the importance of continued assistance based on the assumption that a significant amount of time would be required for the post-disaster reconstruction.

As of 29 January, a total of 421 people were taking shelter at Wajima Junior High School, an evacuation center where AMDA has provided medical assistance. The AMDA team diagnosed nine patients that day, six of whom were suffering from infections. 

Although less patients have been dropping by for medical consultations, the team has been continuously providing comprehensive health-related assistance. While monitoring the health conditions of evacuees, the team organizes a daily stretching-exercise session, and gives bathing support to those that require it. 

Meanwhile, AMDA’s active information sharing with local medical and welfare officials has allowed the referral of patients to appropriate facilities.

AMDA has constantly been sending additional relief personnel to the school. After two nurses were sent in succession between 29 and 30 January, one doctor and one coordinator will be joining forces with the advance team on 1 February. 

Overall, AMDA has dispatched 43 aid workers since the relief work began.