Report on the Donation Ceremony of Artificial Respirators
Nobember 2021
President Kojima and Immediate Past President Hamaguchi visited the Okinawa Prefectural Miyako Hospital to attend the Donation Ceremony of aspirators. The Ceremony took place on November 5th (Friday) after being postponed due to the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Among the Ceremony attendees were Mr. Hiroyuki Matsushima, Assistant Governor of Okinawa Sub-District, Rotarians of Miyako RC including Mr. Toshihiko Miyazato (President), Mr. Katsuyuki Kamichi (Past President), Mr. Mitsunao Shimoji (Past Secretary) as well as representatives from the Hospital Mr. Eiji Motonaga (Director General), Mr. Shinzo Kishimoto (Director), Ms. Misato Satomi (Director) and Ms. Naomi Kishimoto (Director of Administration).
In his opening remarks, President Kojima explained Miyako Hospital was selected as the donation recipient, during the last Rotary Year under the presidency of Mr. Hamaguchi. The selection was based on the recommendation by the University of the Ryukyus and with the support of Ito Hospital. He also stated, “It is reported that Miyako City continues to have no reported cases of COVID-19 and I wish the situation will remain stable.”
Immediate Past President Hamaguchi presented the donation certificate and the banner of Tokyo RC.
Director General of the Hospital Motonaga made a speech and drew a parallel between Rotarians and medical professionals who commit themselves to high ethical standards. “When I was a medical student, the University President told us never to forget that physicians have ethical obligations. I am deeply impressed by the Rotarian Spirit of Service. As medical professionals, we will embrace the spirit of altruism and work in collaboration to push forward.”
Mr. Motonaga stated that when the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic raged in January and February, the hospital was overwhelmed and its medical staff as well as patients felt cornered and desperate. Mr. Motonaga also recalled when he received the news of the donation that his gratitude was beyond words.
Previously, patients with severe symptoms had to be transferred by helicopters. Thanks to the respirators donated, patients can now stay in the hospital to receive treatment and regain their health.”
The Hospital started using the respirators from May 31st and managed to survive the fourth and fifth waves of the pandemic on the island reported to be the world’s worst hotspot. The Hospital presented a Certificate of Appreciation to President Kojima as well as Immediate Past President Hamaguchi with words of gratitude.
The Donation Ceremony was reported by local newspapers and TV news stations including NHK Okinawa, Okinawa Television Broadcasting and Ryukyu Broadcasting Corp.
