A major earthquake in Bam, Iran, which occurred on 26th of December,2003, claimed more than 26,000 deaths and most of the medical facilities were destroyed or left inoperative.
Although many relief organizations left Bam after the initial stage of the disaster, the necessity of medical support continued with the condition of many victims still desperate. Therefore, medical assistance was provided by HuMA in the recovery phase, and four prefabricated buildings were donated to an Urban Health Center (UHC) for use as a clinic. Essential medical equipment was provided to emergency centers in Bam. In addition, surveillance study was conducted to investigate how environmental health conditions could be improved and effective assistance be given during the recovery phase of the disaster. From monitoring of onsite disaster relief in Bam, it is concluded that the donor agencies should make efforts to continue their activities not only in the acute phase but also in sub-acute and recovery phase and if necessary to cooperate among different agencies according to their capability. Furthermore, it is suggested that close cooperation between NGOs and government agencies would lead to much faster and much more effective disaster relief for victims.

Introduction :
 This article aims to explain the new Membership of Royal College of General Practitioners (nMRCGP), new postgraduate general practice training in the UK. It will also compare this with that of the Japan Primary Care Association to identify areas requiring further development in postgraduate family medicine training in Japan.
Methods :
 The introduction of the nMRCGP based on the available literature, followed by discussion amongst family physicians and trainees in Japan.
Results :
 Following a comparison between the postgraduate general practice training in the UK and Japan, the following three points were raised : 1) The need for a clear definition of the role that family physicians play in Japan. 2) The importance of formative assessment as part of the membership examination in the form of portfolios. 3) The need for clear competency areas to form the framework for formative assessment, and for the clear standard that trainees are judged against in each of those competency areas.
Conclusion :
 The above results were highlighted and discussed as possible areas for further development in postgraduate family medicine training in Japan.