Yangon, 16 April 2025 – A Japanese physician who provided medical assistance to survivors of the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar has appealed to the international community to continue offering support, as the region continues to struggle with the aftermath.

Dr. Igarashi Yutaka, a physician from the Advanced Critical Care Center of Nippon Medical School Hospital in Japan, made the appeal during an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

Dr. Igarashi arrived in Mandalay on April 4 as part of Japan’s emergency disaster relief team. During his mission, he provided urgent medical care to individuals who suffered injuries such as bone fractures caused by building collapses and rescue operations.

“Some people were unable to seek immediate medical attention because they were preoccupied with taking care of their families,” Dr. Igarashi said. “It was only after their injuries worsened that they came to receive treatment.”

According to Dr. Igarashi, many residents in Mandalay are still living outdoors more than two weeks after the quake, exposing them to cold weather and increasing the risk of infectious diseases such as diarrhea. He also reported a rise in chronic pain cases, particularly lower back and leg pain, among survivors.

His team treated over 100 patients per day, and he noted that some individuals who lost loved ones are also in need of psychological support.

Despite the withdrawal of some foreign medical teams, Dr. Igarashi emphasized the continued need for international aid until local medical institutions can resume normal operations.

Japan has dispatched a second disaster relief team consisting of 37 members, who arrived in Yangon on Sunday following the completion of Dr. Igarashi’s mission.

The Japanese government has pledged approximately $6 million in emergency grant aid to assist the victims. Additionally, the Nippon Foundation has announced it will provide around $3 million (approximately 450 million yen) in emergency assistance.

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