Japanese expert collaborates with Pampanga on healthcare

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A Japanese liver transplant specialist assured mutual support and collaboration between the provincial government of Pampanga and the government of Japan in terms of health care services and other medical programs.

Dr. Koichi Tanaka, a liver transplant specialist and director of International Frontier Medical Support, on Wednesday has made a courtesy call to Governor Lilia Pineda to discuss medical collaboration and sharing of best practices.

Tanaka commended the improved healthcare services in Pampanga since Pineda assumed office in 2010.

The liver specialist said he wants to be of help and also make Japan’s excellent healthcare services available to Kapampangans.

Tanaka, along with companions Kozo Kikuchi, president of International Frontier Medical Support; Takayuki Hiruta, president and director of Hiruta Riken Co. Ltd.; and Cecilio Lagman, Japanese coordinator; visited Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital (DPPMH) in Guagua and Ricardo Rodriguez District Hospital annex in Bacolor.

They were assisted by provincial health officer Dr. Jose Antonio Rivera and welcomed by Dr. Eddie Ponio, chief of DPMMH and Dr. Antonio Ong, chief of hospital of Ricardo Rodriguez.

Rivera and the two chiefs of hospital shared the medical and health care services being provided by the provincial and district hospitals under the supervision of the provincial government and how they extend medical and surgical assistance, particularly to the poorest patients.

While he lauded the best efforts of the provincial government, Tanaka said there is a big gap in the healthcare system of Japan and of the Philippines.

“I am very surprised because the staff are very active and positive. However, I observed the facilities, equipment, machineries and instruments are very old. That is why, I want to help the possible I can,” Tanaka said.

“After visiting here, I will communicate with the doctors for the collaboration and cooperation with the Japanese side and the Philippines especially this province to extend and promote the quality of health care system,” he said.

Tanaka also said that he is willing to conduct trainings and education to healthcare providers in the province.

He added he will also negotiate with the Japanese government to discuss the possible support that they can give to the provincial government.

Tanaka is renowned as the pioneer of living-donor liver transplants. He has done more than 2,000 liver transplants in Japan and other foreign countries.