Koura Tomoyuki, a doctor based in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, normally runs a clinic near Asaichi Street in the center of the city. But damage from the earthquake has left the building unusable for now.
Koura used to work as a doctor at a general hospital elsewhere in the prefecture, but returned to his hometown of Wajima City several years ago and opened this clinic about a year ago.
"I was born on Asaichi Street and felt loved by many people growing up, so I wanted to return the favor," says Koura. "I had just started the clinic and was feeling good about working for the community, so I feel anxious about what I should do."
Despite being affected by the disaster himself, Koura wanted to do what he could to continue providing medical care. So, he settled on the idea of working out of a rented medical vehicle.
The temporary clinic, located in the parking lot of his actual clinic, provides medical examinations for people who are sick and tests for infectious diseases, such as COVID. On January 23, people with fever symptoms and some with chronic illnesses came to see him.
For the time being, the clinic will be open from 10:00 a.m. to noon, then from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
"I believe that in order to provide medical care in the affected areas, it is most important for doctors like myself to act as family doctors and provide solid support to local patients and their families," says Koura.
"Many people are exhausted from the evacuation, and I would like to continue providing medical care while also placing importance on their mental wellbeing."
