Gifu Prefecture assists residents with limited Japanese language ability by providing a system whereby volunteer medical interpreters, at the request of the medical institution, will be dispatched to hospitals, so that patients can undergo medical consultations with peace of mind. Languages available are Portuguese, Chinese and Tagalog.
During the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 financial years, this system was conducted under the name 'Volunteer medical interpreter dispatch system trial', however the trial period has finished, the system name has changed to the above name, and is a full-scale operation.
From 1 April 2014 (Tuesday)
Gifu University Hospital (Gifu City)
Interpreters have all been registered upon passing an exam carried out by the GIC.
There are 65 volunteers altogether for the following languages- Portuguese (21) Chinese (32) Tagalog (12).
1. The medical institution will lodge an application to the GIC (Gifu International Center) for a volunteer medical interpreter, as a rule, by 3 days prior to the earliest desired dispatch date.
2. The GIC chooses a volunteer who fits the request from the list of registered volunteers.
3. Medical interpreting will occur on the requested day and time at the medical institution that requested the dispatch. Interpretation is available for about 2 hours per session.
Under this system the requesting hospital or the patient is responsible for reimbursement.
Reimbursement is set at 3,000 yen per visit, including transportation expenses.