Ōkita Saburō’s dream
Japan’s international healthcare cooperation headquarters is born.

• Economist Ōkita Saburō was born in 1914. After the WWII, he participated in developing Prime Minister Ikeda Hayato’s “income-doubling plan.” In 1952, he became the first Japanese staff member at the UN, and in 1971, he was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Peace and International Understanding. In 1979, he became the Foreign Minister, and in 1982, he became the first president of the United Nations University.
• Upon receiving a report from the “Review Meeting of the International Medical Cooperation Center,” of which Ōkita was made the head in 1979, the National Hospital Medical Center (now the NCGM) established an “International Medical Cooperation Department” in 1986. Wagatsuma Takashi (Dr.) was the first director of the department, which served as Japan’s main hospital for international cooperation in the field of healthcare. As Japan’s sole public institution specializing in “international medical cooperation,” it has made great strides in the field of healthcare over the last 30 years.

*Sometimes, at hospitals, you see medical interns from other countries. Over the last 30 years, the NCGM has received more than 4,500 trainees from over 150 countries; some of whom are representatives of foreign ministers and international agencies.

*Over 3,800 NCGM specialists have also been dispatched to more than 140 countries. Trainees from other countries are trying to learn Japanese medical care methods. Thus, please do not disturb them as you watch.

*Regarding international cooperation in practice, please refer to the other items on display in the exhibition room, the radio program “Global Health Cafe” (on Radio Nikkei), and the newsletter, among others.