JOCV 50th year anniversary

Name: Haruaki Haga
Batch: FY1991-1 (Jul 1991 - Jul 1994)
Technical Field: Dentist
Host Organization: Zomba General Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Blantyre)
Hometown in Japan: Tokyo

A Piece of Memory: "A Patient Who Will Never Be Forgotten and Should Not Be Forgotten"

I have been conducting dental activities in Blantyre for two years in Zomba and one year in Blantyre by extending my term. I was able to see many patients whom I would rarely see in Japan, such as those with dental trauma, inflammation, and tumors, not to mention cavities and periodontal disease, as well as many surgical treatments.

Baby Mabyuto

A piece of my memories is that of a pregnant patient who came to see me shortly after I was assigned to the dental department at Zomba General Hospital with an abscess extending from her mandible to her temporal region due to tooth decay. I was astonished and horrified by the swelling of her face, which was so unusual. I had seen cases of abscess in Japan, it was the first time I saw a patient with such swelling. Moreover, since this was happening in Malawi, I became increasingly anxious. As I was confused about the treatment plan. Marunda, a dental assistant, gave me a kick in the rear, saying, "Doctor, Doctor, You're the only (one who can treat the patient)." Being aware that "only I could do it, and I had to do it," I set myself to take on the job of treating the patient. I extracted three root canals and performed an anti-inflammatory procedure to drain the pus through an incision made outside of the mouth. The patient's postoperative course was good, and one week later she gave birth to a baby boy and was discharged from the hospital. The photo was taken when she visited the outpatient clinic with her baby boy (Mabvuto) after the discharge. It was a great relief to realize again that there were two lives (at stake). Taking this opportunity, I set my mind to continue my practice until the end of my term. With the help of the dental staff, I was able to practice for two years. When my replacement was yet to be determined, I applied for a one-year extension and when it was accepted, I was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre. After returning to Japan temporarily, I spent the rest of the year in new place of assignment in Blantyre, doing the best I could with my clinical experience.

During these three years, although it was only a relationship between a dentist and a patient, I was able to meet many Malawians, and through contact with patients and their families, I was able to learn about the local living environment, despite the language barrier. The patients, especially the elderly and children, who came all the way from the rural villages were very simple, and when they thanked me after treatment, I realized that I was helping them even though it was only a small contribution. It was a very valuable experience for me.

Lastly, I am very sad to report that Marunda, the DA whom I had recommended for training at the School of Dentistry in Japan, became ill during the training and regrettably had to return to Malawi and passed away shortly afterwards. She was a wonderful Dental Nurse. Thanks to Big Smile.

The next and final installment will be a piece of memory of Mr. Hitoshi Yoshida (water supply and sewerage), a JOCV member of Batch FY1980-1 latter term, who holds the record for the longest term of service at five years and one month.