Long-Term Impact of Japan's Nuclear Plant Accident on Deployment of Physicians in Fukushima

Abstract

Background: The long-term impact of a nuclear accident on deployment of physicians remains unclear due to relative lack of such accidents. We examined chronological changes in number of physicians in areas affected by Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident following Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Methods: We examined rate of change in physicians per population ratios in Fukushima from 2010 to 2018, comparing them to those of two neighboring prefectures combined, which were not directly affected by nuclear accident, as a control. We further conducted a descriptive sub-analysis of physicians stratified by characteristics. Findings: Following 2011 disaster, number of physicians per 100,000 people in Fukushima increased by 0.4% from 183.3 in 2010 to 184.1 in 2012. In control number increased by 4.0% from 200.1 to 208.1 in same period. Since 2012, number of physicians per 100,000 population in Fukushima increased, reaching 207.4 in 2018. In terms of specifics, there were some notable differences in Fukushima compared to control. During 2010-2012, number of female physicians in Fukushima fell by 19.0% compared to control, physicians 60 years of age increased noticeably, by 40.9% and 6.1%, respectively. Interpretations: The nuclear accident affected number and distribution of physicians in Fukushima. The number of physicians per capita initially decreased but had increased over original levels seven years later. Funding Statement: The Ministry of the Environment. Declaration of Interests: AH reports personal fees from K. Ambiente co., ltd. TT reports personal fees from Medical Network Systems, MNES Inc., and Bionics co., ltd, outside the submitted work. AO reports personal fees from Medical Network Systems, MNES Inc. MK reports personal fees from Medical Network Systems, MNES Inc., SBI Biotech Co., Ltd., MRSO Inc., and Rectus Co., Ltd. The other authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: Only information in the public domain was used in this study, therefore no ethical approval was required.