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JICA Volunteers in Palau

◆Alii from Palau!

Asako Takashima
JICA Senior Volunteer
Belau National Hospital

　　　Alii! I’m Asako Takashima, working as a clinical microbiologist at the laboratory of Belau National Hospital (BNH).
I perform bacteriological examinations, which involve detecting bacteria such as E-coli and pneumococcus out of urine, stool or sputum samples and finding out which antibiotics would work.
As my mission gets closer to its end, I have started working on capacity development and knowledge transfer.

(Overwhelming amount of paperwork)

　　　I have worked for more than 20 years at hospitals in Japan as a clinical examination technician. Today, I would like to share my findings on the surprising differences between laboratories in Japan and Palau.

　　　>Finding #1: Write, Write, Write
List of Received Samples, Request Form, Worksheet, Logbook, Report of Testing… These are the documents that I have to write for each test in Palau. I could say half of my examination time in BNH lab is spent on paperwork while I was using computer in Japan for these documentation. Ink of my pens runs out quickly here.　

　　　 >Finding #2: Flexible, any time!
1. I was told to answer phone calls just after starting to work, when my English was not good and I did not yet understand the process of hospital. No one blames me even when I couldn’t handle it well and they follow up my mistake. 2. Trainees (high school students) are allowed to conduct tests. 3. Sanitation workers help hospital staff by answering phone calls at busy times.

(Fine tattoo on a colleague’s leg)

　　　These never happen in Japan, but happen every day in Palau. I am grateful to this friendly and flexible work environment which is enabling me to enjoy working and gain precious experience.

　　　>Extra Finding
For Palauan, it seems that it’s “cool” to tattoo Japanese characters. Some trainee and hospital staff asked me to write their names in Japanese.

　　　Finally, BNH is my favorite place in Palau. I eat and take a nap at its abai surrounded by the beautiful ocean.

(Abai at BNH)

　　　 I also like the causeway which I could feel as if I am walking on the ocean while commuting. I have been blessed to spend every day surrounded by these amazing views for the past year. I truly hope this beautiful ocean and coral reef be preserved forever.

　　　I only have less than a month left in Palau, but I would like to enjoy my life here with undiminished gratitude.

( Author (front right) with colleagues in the lab)