Special clinic for Japanese tsunami victims

Dr. Shinsuke Muto is running a special clinic in the tsunami-ravaged city of Ishinomaki, where people come to soothe psychological wounds.

The patients went to his clinic to heal wounds after a 15-meter tsunami swept over their home on March 11. However, there are also many people who come here to receive psychological treatment, soothe mental wounds, loneliness and feelings of isolation. Elderly people living in Ishinomaki have seen their homes, families, friends and neighbors washed away.

"Elderly people need treatment, but they also need a place to meet and talk," Muto said. His healing center opened for that purpose.

The Japanese children pray for those already
lost before the rubble caused by the tsunami. (Photo: ndtv)

Ishinomaki is a busy port city located about 100km north of Fukushima nuclear power plant. The ruin is still clearly imprinted in this city, where 165,000 residents have lost their homes because of the tsunami. Mr. Muto came here two months after the disaster, when the need for urgent medical care dropped a bit.

He opened the You Home clinic, providing regular medical treatment services. Then, with the help of Secours Populaire Francais and Nippon Foundation, he established a nearby medical center, comprehensive medical care for patients. The center has a free counseling program, with experts in Tokyo, using the device to allow them to check patients remotely.

This center opened in September and also brought many jobs for residents in the area. Of the 10 employees of the center, 7 are local people. However, Mr. Muto's main purpose is to give patients a meeting place. Many of them are temporarily living in evacuation centers and often isolated from people.

"In my center, young people can hold films, old people drink coffee or have dinner with friends , " he said.

For him, this center is where the victims can feel that they are not alone and not abandoned for fate. After the March disaster, the whole world gave Japanese people lots of help and donations, but long-term care is now essential.

"The opportunity to interact is very important so that Ishinomaki people can stand up on their feet. Friendship doesn't solve every problem but it is irreplaceable," said Julian Laupretre, Secours Populaire president.