Sub Rural Health Center in Myanmar
In rural regions in Myanmar, a majority of mothers choose to give birth at home rather than in a medical facility, making it a challenge to provide a safe delivery environment for expectant mothers and their babies
Recognizing this, in 2016, Otsuka Pharmaceutical donated funds for the construction of a Sub-Rural Health Center, located in the rural village of Allel Kyun to the north of the capital of Nay Pyi Taw. The facility was established in collaboration with the international, non-governmental organization People's Hope Japan (PHJ).
Allel Kyun was chosen as the site for the new center at the request of the Myanmar Ministry of Health, due to the lack of nearby hospital facilities for childbirth.
In addition to attending childbirths, midwives residing at the center provide basic medical care and ongoing health education for expectant and nursing mothers and other village residents. Since its establishment in July 2016, the health center has served as a primary care provider to an average of 180 patients a month, reaching some 4,000 people in total (through March 2018).
In Cambodia, Otsuka has also provided support for various PHJ projects in the past, including donations of auto rickshaws (tuk-tuk) to transport pregnant women in emergencies.