The Self-Defense Forces must prepare to smoothly carry out various tasks to deal with infections.
In an effort to strengthen border controls against the new coronavirus, Defense Minister Taro Kono has ordered the SDF to dispatch personnel for disaster relief operations. Medical officers and nurses conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to check for cases of infection at Narita and Haneda airports.
About 120 SDF personnel have been dispatched, including those in charge of transporting returnees to accommodation facilities and other places.
The government has expanded to 73 the number of countries and regions subject to the effective entry ban. It conducts virus tests on Japanese nationals and others who return from these areas.
There have been a number of cases in which returnees have been the source of infection. With such situations in mind, it is important to improve preparation for the tests in cooperation with the SDF.
The Self-Defense Forces Law stipulates the dispatch of personnel at times of disaster, to protect human lives and property. In general, the dispatch is based on requests from prefectural governors or related organizations. Due to the urgency of the current situation, however, the practice of self-dispatch is said to have been adopted through adjustments within the government.
Over the past 1-1/2 months, a total of 4,900 SDF members have been supporting inspections and the transport of supplies in response to the mass infection on a cruise ship, and in connection with Japanese nationals and others returning from China.
It is noteworthy that the SDF will utilize their mobility to cope with a national crisis in which an infectious disease is spreading. They should perform their duties appropriately in close cooperation with local governments and related organizations.
To continue quarantine work, it is indispensable to secure sufficient supplies such as surgical masks or protective clothing. Attention should be paid to preserving the health of members who are in contact with patients.
The government will provide special allowances to SDF personnel who are engaged in duties related to infectious disease. This decision was likely made in consideration of the punishing nature of the work.
In the case the government declares a state of emergency, SDF personnel are expected to carry patients, transport emergency supplies such as medicine, cooperate in disinfection work, and provide support for medical care and people's daily lives.
The SDF must shape an action plan under the declaration of a state of emergency, assuming various situations. It is necessary to flexibly operate ground, maritime and air forces nationwide.
The number of infected people in urban areas continues to increase. Many people are concerned that the capacity of accepting patients will exceed the limit, leading to the collapse of medical services.
The Defense Ministry has the National Defense Medical College Hospital as well as 16 SDF hospitals nationwide. There are about 900 medical officers and about 1,000 nurses. The Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Tokyo has already hospitalized the infected. While examining how things change, the acceptance of more patients must be considered.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on April 5, 2020.
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