Experiencing Health Care and Culture in Niigata, Japan

Abstract

In July 2010 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Niigata University (NU) signed a memorandum of agreement to continue collaboration in joint planning and implementation of education, research and practice services in the field of medicine. Since then several undergraduate and postgraduate students including academic staffs have been visiting NU and UKM as part of their learning experience.

This collaboration is also a good opportunity for Doctor of Public Health (DRPH) postgraduate candidates to gain experience on the practice of public health in handling public health issues, planning the healthcare facilities, delivering a quality public health services, enforcing public health policies/regulations and finally learn about the health systems in general at other countries especially from developed country like Japan. The learning experience will help student to evaluate the difference of practice of public health in different countries based on their culture, availability of resources, disease trend and other factors influence the practice of public health.

Under UKM-Global Student Mobility Programme (Outbound) four DRPH candidates have chosen to conduct their field attachment in Niigata Prefecture from 13^th January 2011 until 3^rd February 2011, which was organized by the Niigata University School of Medicine. The 3 weeks programme covers various activities which include academic discussions and meetings, field trips, presentations and hands-on experience. The field attachment covers various programme involving governmental departments, hospitals, rural clinics, long term care centres and nursing homes. This report is based on their experience in Niigata.