NPO HEART SAVING PROJECT

Ulka, a local interpreter who participated in the children’s heart screening project in Bayan-Ulgii, Mongolia, from April 29 to May 4, 2025, shared his reflections on the activity.

Ulka is fluent in Japanese and played a key role as an interpreter, guide, and video record keeper during the screening. He is a professional mountain guide in Mongolia and operates the “Summit Guesthouse” in Ulaanbaatar, as well as running a tour company, “Mongolian Mountain Summit.”

Participation in the Bayan-Ulgii Screening

Ariunzorigt Ulambayar (Interpreter & Mongolian Mountain Guide)

In May 2025, I participated in a children’s heart screening project in Bayan-Ölgii, a province in western Mongolia. The screening took place over three days, and I worked as part of the team, handling interpretation and recording duties.

I had previously participated in a similar screening in the region in 2018, and the experience from that time was extremely helpful during this project. Due to flight schedules, we had to extend the work by one extra day, which allowed us to serve more children than initially planned.

Compared to other provinces I’ve visited, Bayan-Ölgii has a larger population, and it was noticeable that many children not only had heart conditions but also other health issues. This made the screening experience all the more impactful.

The team for this project consisted of two interpreters, one receptionist, one local pediatrician, and five doctors from Japan. The cooperation from local medical professionals was exceptional, and the work proceeded smoothly without any delays. I am deeply grateful for their support and dedication.

The medical professionals in Bayan-Ölgii were particularly impressive for their genuine passion and care for the children. Among all the counties I’ve worked in, the commitment of the local healthcare workers to the well-being of the children was truly remarkable.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the healthcare workers who are working tirelessly to protect the health of Mongolia’s future generation. I also want to thank the organizations that supported this project financially and logistically, ensuring its smooth progress.