社会｜DMAT司令塔を北海道と九州に増設 / Society | Expansion of DMAT Command Centers in Hokkaido and Kyushu

Summary

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced plans to establish new offices for disaster medical assistance teams (DMAT) in Hokkaido and Kyushu by the fiscal year 2026.

This will enable the rapid deployment of doctors and nurses during disasters, expanding the current system from two locations to four. Furthermore, there are plans to establish additional bases in Tohoku and Shikoku starting in fiscal year 2027, with the goal of creating an eight-base system.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Log: I heard recently that new DMAT command centers are being established in Hokkaido and Kyushu.
Chako: Really? Are there actually incidents like that!?
Log: Well, it’s not so much about incidents as it is a measure to ensure that medical teams can be dispatched quickly during disasters.
Chako: I see! It’s a preparation to help when disasters occur!
Navi: The expansion of DMAT is considered an important initiative to strengthen the medical response system during disasters.
Log: Exactly! Especially now that large-scale disasters are becoming more frequent, I think it’s necessary to respond effectively.

Admin’s Note

The establishment of additional DMAT command centers is a crucial measure for ensuring rapid medical response during disasters. Particularly in regions like Hokkaido and Kyushu, which frequently experience natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, it is essential to consider the unique characteristics of these areas in our response efforts. From Chako’s remarks, we can sense just how much these initiatives can impact our lives. I hope to see continued strengthening of the national system in the future.