In Myanmar, few medical institutions have adequate facilities and there is a shortage of doctors. As a result, not many people have access to decent medical services. In such severe conditions, a Japanese NGO called International Medical Volunteers Japan Heart started providing medical services there in 2004. People under 18 can be treated free of charge. The doctors and nurses in the group are all volunteers and they work together with local medical counterparts. In exchange for their efforts, they gain valuable experience and learn practical medical techniques that can be applied following disasters and in isolated areas. In this episode of Side by Side, we report on a compassionate approach to health care that's creating healthy futures in communities in need.
