Japan Medical Association's Actions in the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake

• Date: 01 December 2011
• Author: Katsuhito Aoki,Masami Ishii,Takashi Nagata
• Published date: 01 December 2011
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.2202/1948-4682.1210

Volume 3, Issue 4 • 2011 • Article 2

Japan Medical Association's Actions in the Great Eastern

Japan Earthquake

Masami Ishii, Japan Medical Association

Takashi Nagata, Japan Medical Association

Katsuhito Aoki, Japan Medical Association

Ishii, Masami; Nagata, Takashi; and Aoki, Katsuhito (2011) "Japan Medical Association's Actions in

the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake," World Medical & Health Policy: Vol. 3: Iss. 4, Article 2.

Available at: http://www.psocommons.org/wmhp/vol3/iss4/art2

DOI: 10.2202/1948-4682.1210

©2011 Policy Studies Organization

Japan Medical Association's Actions in the

Great Eastern Japan Earthquake

Masami Ishii, Japan Medical Association

Takashi Nagata, Japan Medical Association

Katsuhito Aoki, Japan Medical Association

Abstract

A complex disaster struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The Great Eastern Japan

Earthquake consisted of a large-scale earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident and resulted in

extensive damage and loss of life.

In response to the disaster, the Japan Medical Association (JMA) initiated the dispatch of

disaster medical teams, JMATs, to affected areas through prefectural medical associations. JMA

relief efforts did not end with coordinating JMAT operations: autopsies, medical supply transport,

and advocating for healthcare for evacuees and survivors were other major efforts of the JMA

following “3.11”.

The JMA’s healthcare support in Fukushima and other prefectures was unique and effective.

However, the JMA recognizes the need for continued planning and preparation for disaster response

and relief because of Japan’s high risk for future disasters. Thus, current priorities of the JMA

are the restoration of the healthcare system in disaster-affected areas and preparation for future

disasters.

KEYWORDS: JMAT, JMA, disaster preparedness, Great Eastern Japan Earthquake, radioactive

pollution

Author Notes: The authors appreciate the assistance provided by Mr. Kazuhiro Fujimaki, Ms.

Yumiko Nishida, Ms. Tomomi Takeuchi, Mr. Naoto Tsuchiya, Ms. Manami Yazawa, and Ms.

Naoko Fujitani of the Community Healthcare Division, and Ms. Mieko Hamamoto of the

International Affairs Division, of the Japan Medical Association in completing this paper. Conflicts

of interest: None declared. Corresponding author: Takashi Nagata, MD, Department of Emergency

and Critical Care Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka

812-8582, Japan, Tel: +81-92-642-5871,Fax: +81-92-642-5874. Email: nagata.takashi@gmail.com