Shortage of Medical Staff... Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee Requests Dispatch of 500 Nurses

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese medical sector, struggling with manpower shortages due to the spread of COVID-19, now faces the challenge of also supporting the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July this year.

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 27th, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee reportedly sent an official letter on the 9th requesting the Japan Nursing Association to dispatch 500 nurses to work during the event.

Muto Toshiro, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, said at a press conference the day before that they asked for support within the limits that would not adversely affect the local medical system.

In Japan, besides the existing duties related to infected patients, the demand for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and vaccinations has surged, causing a severe shortage of nurses.

Because of this, concerns have been raised that deploying many nurses to the Olympics could further disrupt the operation of the local healthcare system.

Hashimoto Seiko, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, stated in a parliamentary response in February that during the Olympics, approximately 300 doctors and about 400 nurses per day would be needed at venues such as stadiums and the athletes' village.

However, the Organizing Committee, which is in contact with university hospitals and others, is reportedly yet to establish concrete plans on how to secure medical personnel.

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