TOKYO >> Medical workers in Japan have been quitting in droves amid the prolonged pandemic.

Tough working conditions, the high risk of infection, inadequate pay and discrimination are among the reasons for the exodus.

“The constant strain of wondering when I would be infected was too heavy a burden,” said a former part-time nurse who became depressed after working in a hospital in northern Japan.

The woman said she joined the hospital in April as an outpatient nurse because of a flexible work schedule that allowed her to care for her young son. But she ended up assisting in coronavirus testing when cases began to increase.

After another nurse caught the virus, the woman took precautions but could not shake the fear of infection, and the hospital refused to test her. When patients told her, “Stay away from me. I don’t want to get infected,” her depression deepened.

Hospitals designated to treat coronavirus patients have been hit hardest. At Osaka City Juso Hospital, 10 doctors and 22 nurses resigned as of November.

In a survey conducted at 120 medical facilities in August, 20% of respondents reported discrimination. In some cases, beauty salons refused to service medical workers, and day care centers rejected their children.

But some hospitals have found ways to support their staff.

At Jikei University Daisan Hospital in Komae, employees worried about infecting family members have access to free dorms, and workers at Center Hospital in Shinjuku Ward have access to psychologists.

“The importance of mental (health) care is increasing as the harsh conditions have continued for so long,” said Hanae Sone, a hospital psychotherapist.