Pediatric and MCH training in Japan: JICA training program in the National Children's Hospital

The experience of the training program for overseas doctors in the National Children's Hospital during 8 years is described. The program was supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the objectives of the training course are to provide doctors from developing countries with a better understanding of diagnosis and treatment as specialized pediatricians and pediatric surgeons and to introduce recent medical techniques and equipment for child care. From 1984 to 1993, 37 doctors from 22 developing countries of Asia, Middle and South America and Africa have attended this program. There were 22 pediatricians, 14 pediatric surgeons and one dentist. The outline of this group training program and problems with the course are discussed.