Growing Rehabilitation Services in Milne Bay.‐ JICA Volunteer Occupational Therapist Supporting Patients and Future Health Workers

In May 2026, JICA Volunteer Masanari Kanzaki began his assignment as an Occupational Therapist at Alotau Provincial Hospital in Milne Bay Province.

Working alongside local healthcare professionals in the hospital’s physiotherapy department, Kanzaki provides rehabilitation services to patients while also supporting students, resident trainees, and hospital staff through training and knowledge sharing. He is also helping introduce occupational therapy, a profession that is still not widely known in Papua New Guinea.

One experience that left a strong impression on Kanzaki was participating in a home-visit rehabilitation program shortly after his arrival.

During the visit, he met a patient with paralysis in both legs who lived in a traditional raised house and travelled by wheelchair on rough, unpaved roads. Despite these challenges, the patient continued to contribute to family life and carry out daily responsibilities.

As part of his activities, Kanzaki introduced occupational therapy to hospital staff through presentations and discussions. Many staff members had heard of occupational therapy during their studies but were unfamiliar with its practical role in patient care. Although the initial response was limited, the sessions opened opportunities for greater communication and collaboration with colleagues. Since then, staff members have become more comfortable discussing rehabilitation issues and seeking advice on patient care.

Kanzaki hopes to continue sharing ideas that are practical and relevant to the local healthcare environment.

Among the patients he has worked with, one young boy recovering from spinal tuberculosis remains particularly memorable. When Kanzaki first met him, the boy was unable to move his legs and his recovery was uncertain. Through regular rehabilitation sessions, encouragement, and support for both the patient and his family, a strong relationship gradually developed. Despite language barriers, the boy became committed to his rehabilitation programmed and steadily improved.

Recently, he was able to walk out of the hospital on his own feet.

“The smiles of the patient and his family gradually increased during his recovery,” Kanzaki recalled. “That was one of the most rewarding moments of my work.”

Kanzaki is also actively involved in training students and resident healthcare workers. Many have shown strong interest in rehabilitation practices and in learning more about healthcare in Japan. One resident even encouraged him to share his knowledge beyond the hospital so that more students could benefit from practical rehabilitation training.

For Kanzaki, seeing local trainees eager to learn and pursue their goals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his assignment.