Japan Strengthens Medical Service System to Prepare for COVID-19 Spread

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government announced on the 24th that it will strengthen the medical provision system in preparation for a rapid increase in the number of patients infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Kato Katsunobu made this statement after the third expert meeting held that day. He said, "Based on the current domestic situation, suppressing the rate of increase in patients as much as possible is the most important factor in preventing future outbreaks," and added that they will also expedite the establishment of a medical provision system in case the number of patients rises significantly.

Minister Kato emphasized, "It is important to organize measures considering the future development of the situation and clearly present them to the public as a basic policy, and we are at the stage to do exactly that," and requested "active discussions based on your (experts') knowledge."

Based on expert discussions held that day, the Japanese government plans to organize and announce the basic policy of a comprehensive measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection on the 25th. Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinz? instructed on the 23rd that there is a need to promptly prepare the medical provision system and to establish the basic policy.

Meanwhile, in a survey conducted by Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the same day, 94% of Japanese citizens responded that COVID-19 will have an impact on the economy. Despite the spread of COVID-19, 56% said they would go out as usual, while 43% said they would refrain from going out more than usual.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.