Acceleration of PCR inspection “expansion” of the new Corona municipality is also an issue for the inspection system October 6, 22:40
In order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, many local governments are expanding the scope of PCR tests.
In Tokyo, we are embarking on a simultaneous inspection of residents and staff at facilities for the elderly in multiple wards.
On the other hand, securing an inspection system has become an issue as the scope of coverage expands.
Regarding the PCR test conducted by the public health center, the government announced in August that it would expand the scope of the test, such as conducting regular tests at facilities for the elderly in areas where the infection is spreading.
Under these circumstances, there are a number of local governments that actively carry out PCR tests in addition to the "people who have symptoms such as fever and are suspected of being infected" and "close contacts of infected people" who have been tested so far. is.
Starting this month, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, has begun inspections of a total of 23,000 people, mainly staff working in facilities for the elderly, facilities for the disabled, and nursery schools.
In addition, in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, PCR tests have already been carried out for elderly people who are newly moving into special nursing homes for the elderly since July, but from now on, it is a policy to regularly test about 1000 people including facility staff. is.
Private inspection companies can be relied on for this expansion of inspection targets.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, private inspection companies are capable of inspecting about 40,000 cases per day.
However, in the future, if the number of local governments that expand the scope of inspections and companies that require employees to undergo inspections increases, there are voices from local governments that are concerned that the current inspection system is sufficient.
Some local governments attract inspection companies
Some local governments have begun to move early in anticipation of a fierce competition for private inspection companies.
In June, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, invited a private inspection company in the ward to secure an inspection frame.
By relaxing the procedures and conditions required for establishment, the ward will be given priority in undertaking inspections.
Taking advantage of these priority slots, the ward plans to start free regular inspections for about 3,000 residents and staff of facilities for the elderly and facilities for the disabled from this month.
In addition, even those who are not covered by the "administrative inspection" and need to pay their own expenses can be inspected for about 6000 yen, which is cheaper than the general cost.
This means that staff at schools and nursery schools and those who attend them can be examined with less burden if they wish.
Sumida Ward Health Center Director Toru Nishizuka said, "In the ward, the percentage of elderly people is high, and if the infection spreads, the risk of aggravation increases, so it is essential to quickly inspect and contain the infection. To expand the inspection system Cooperation with private inspection organizations is indispensable, and we would like to further expand inspections in the future. "
Inquiries to inspection companies one after another
Private testing companies that undertake PCR testing are now receiving a series of inquiries from local governments and companies.
A private inspection company in Tokyo was originally involved in the home-visit nursing business, but in June, in anticipation of an increase in demand, we embarked on an inspection business and established a facility in Sumida Ward.
It is said that it pays close attention to the accuracy of the test, such as introducing the latest testing equipment and checking one sample by two staff members.
This company received a relatively large number of requests from companies and medical institutions, but since the government announced a policy to strengthen inspections of facilities for the elderly in August, it has been "contracted for inspections" from local governments in the Kanto region. It is said that there are a series of inquiries asking if you can get it.
Until now, PCR tests for close contacts conducted by local governments have been analyzed mainly at local hygiene laboratories.
However, if the target is expanded to other than close contacts, the inspection system must be expanded more than ever, and inquiries are being made one after another.
Currently, up to 240 inspections can be performed in one day, but we are planning to build another inspection facility in Tokyo because the inspections may not be able to keep up with the increase in demand in the future.
Kiyoshi Sato, CEO of the inspection company "Medical Concierge", said, "Since the government announced a policy to strengthen inspections of facilities for the elderly, we have received a series of inquiries. We will continue to make regular inspections of facilities for the elderly. I think that the number of local governments will increase, so I would like to expand capital investment. "
Expert "Indispensable for utilizing private inspection"
Regarding the fact that local governments are expanding inspections by utilizing private inspection companies, Professor Reiko Saito of Niigata University, who specializes in public health, said, "In areas where infection is spreading, inspections are conducted for facilities for the elderly. I think that expanding is meaningful in preventing clusters. Given the limited inspection capacity of local governments, it will be essential to utilize the private sector in the future. "
On the other hand, he points out, "Private sector also needs capital investment and human resource development to expand inspections, but it is difficult to move positively because we do not know how many years the demand will continue."
On top of that, "National support is indispensable to increase the number of inspection slots for the private sector, but it is also important to give a general outline of what kind of inspection system will be needed in the future. Also, local governments will make it easier for the private sector to increase the number of inspection slots. Is also required to grasp the inspection needs of the region in detail and reflect them in the inspection plan. "