In an effort to respond to sudden illnesses among the increasing number of foreign visitors to the city, Fukuoka City has begun offering an online medical interpreting service on a trial basis. The first effort of its kind in Japan, the service can be accessed from hotels and tourist information offices throughout the city. City Hall is offering the service in cooperation with the Osaka-based venture company Japan Medical Interpretation Services Inc. Tourists can connect with expert interpreters (English, Chinese and Korean) via tablets available at hotels and tourist information offices. The interpreters provide translation between the tourists and the Japanese staff, who can then call an ambulance or provide directions to a nearby pharmacy as needed. If the trial goes smoothly, the City will consider a full rollout in the future. Source: FIBA
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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