Medical institutions that treat infectious diseases should not be left in a state of financial crisis. The government should expedite effective assistance to them.
As the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has continued for a long time, hospitals' financial situation has been deteriorating.
According to a survey on income and expenditures conducted by the Japan Hospital Association and other entities, more than 80% of about 450 hospitals nationwide that accepted COVID-19 patients were in the red each month from April to June.
One reason why was that other patients refrained from being examined due to fears of hospital infection. Hospitals also had to keep beds open in preparation for the hospitalization of infected patients, and did not receive medical treatment fees. Expenses for disinfection and protective equipment also increased.
There is a vicious circle in which hospitals that are more active in treating COVID-19 face more financial difficulties. Unless the current situation is improved, it will be impossible for hospitals to cope with the spread of infections.
According to the survey, 23% of the hospitals that accept COVID-19 patients had to reduce their summer bonuses. The burden borne by doctors and nurses on the front lines cannot be overlooked.
Medical institutions are putting extra effort into such operations as preventing infection and preparing for admission and discharge. It is important for hospital managers to consider how to prevent medical workers from leaving their jobs.
The central and local governments have asked hospitals to secure beds for COVID-19 patients. A situation must be avoided in which hospitals hesitate to cooperate for fear of worsening business conditions.
The problem is that the government has yet to make progress in distributing 1.6 trillion yen in emergency comprehensive support grants. The main pillar of the support is to provide subsidies of up to 300,000 yen per bed per day to medical institutions designated by prefectural governments to secure vacant beds.
The government plans to start the payments in late August, but it has reportedly not yet established a schedule in 25 prefectures due to such reasons as delays in the designation of facilities. It is hoped that the government will accelerate coordination with medical institutions and procedures.
To reduce the burden on hospitals, it is important for prefectural governments to secure accommodations for people with mild symptoms.
The deterioration in business conditions has spread to small medical institutions. According to the Japan Medical Association, income at clinics in May was down 20% from a year earlier.
There are concerns that if patients become too reluctant to see a doctor, chronic diseases may worsen or serious diseases may be overlooked. It is important for local governments to pay close attention so that medical institutions can provide medical services for diseases other than COVID-19 without delay.
In the wake of the novel coronavirus disaster, it is essential to build a medical system that can respond to infectious diseases and provide ordinary medical care at the same time. It is hoped the government will strengthen cooperation with local governments and medical institutions.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on Aug. 9, 2020.
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