The Yomiuri Shimbun asked Dr. Yujiro Tanaka, the President of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, internal medicine specialist, for his views on combating the coronavirus. Below is his response.
Japan overcame the first wave of the coronavirus and has now entered a phase of seeking to achieve a balance between coronavirus prevention and socioeconomic activities. One urgent issue at this stage is expanding the virus testing system.
Japan has conducted fewer number of PCR tests for the coronavirus compared to other countries, partly because it has not been exposed to the threat of serious infectious diseases for many years. We should learn from the first wave of the disease and increase the testing capacity to an internationally comparable level. I think it is appropriate The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed establishing a system to enable 100,000 PCR tests per day -- the globally common coronavirus testing method -- the level equivalent to those of other developed countries in proportion to the population.
I think it will be possible to realize the proposal if the government supports private testing companies, along with cooperation from universities and research institutions. In addition to the internationally used PCR testing method, Japan should use a new antigen test that was developed in the nation to prepare for the second wave of the coronavirus. Testing centers and specimen transportation networks also need to be developed.
If infected people and those who had close contact with such people are tested quickly, the spread of the virus could be minimized. To prevent the virus from spreading within a hospital, we must ensure medical workers are tested for the coronavirus. The same applies to facilities for elderly people. Testing provides a minimum guarantee for people working in these fields to concentrate on their work, such as giving treatment and providing nursing care, with a sense of security.
In preparation for the resumption of traffic with foreign countries, a disease control system that meets international standards should be established. Here again, testing is the key. For a while, people entering or leaving the country will be required to test negative for the virus in PCR tests.
Tests might also be used by the private sector for businesses with overseas entities, professional sporting events and other purposes. Testing has limitations, and giving them requires due attention. Even so, I believe tests could serve as a tool to cultivate a sense of safety in social and economic activities.
As a doctor working on the front lines, I would like to request drastic financial support for medical institutions. During the first wave of the coronavirus, Tokyo Medical and Dental University treated about 400 people affected by the virus, including severely ill patients. We are now developing an outpatient department exclusively for the disease and other facilities. However, the only remaining matter at hand is a massive deficit of 1.2 billion yen incurred in April alone. The more patients a hospital treats, the more serious financial difficulties it faces.
For citizens to live safely, hospitals have to be the last stronghold. I would like the government to listen to medical workers on site and provide us with support so we can be fully prepared for the virus.
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