Utilization of Regular Ships as Hospital Ships in a Disaster Situation: A Trial Report from Japan

Abstract

Introduction:Japan is an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Seventy percent of the country is mountainous, and there is no abundance of habitable flat land. Japan is a disaster-prone country, with an average of 25 typhoons per year occurring near Japan and 20% of the world's earthquakes of magnitude six or greater occurring in Japan. The Great East Japan Earthquake (2011) destroyed many medical facilities in coastal areas. The government is seeking ways to continue medical services using ships in preparation for future Nankai Trough Earthquakes. This study introduces the current status of studies for installing hospital ships in Japan.Method:Based on materials on hospital ships published by the Cabinet Office and reports on training exercises conducted by various organizations, this report summarizes the current status of studies on introducing hospital ships in Japan.Results:In 1991, a committee was established to gather domestic experts to study a multi-purpose ship, and various studies have been conducted intermittently. The current policy focuses on utilizing existing resources such as Self-Defense Force cargo ships, civilian car ferries, etc. The demonstration training for a hospital ship with the Self-Defense Force's field surgery system and the Red Cross Emergency Response Unit has been conducted. Other studies are underway to provide medical support to remote islands by ocean tugboats. Future issues for utilizing existing ships include 1) maintaining medical personnel and medical equipment and materials in times of disaster, 2) utilizing and maintaining ships during peacetime, and 3) establishing access to ships that are unable to dock at a port.Conclusion:Hospital ships in Japan are considered to utilize existing vessels rather than building new ones. However, there are unresolved issues, such as how to operate the ships during disasters, the cost of maintenance, and transporting patients from land.