Cruise ship Lack of medicine Atsushi Kato "Consideration of delivery by helicopter" February 8 21:42
The Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare has cooperated with the Japan Coast Guard and other agencies on the fact that passengers say that the required drugs such as pre-existing illnesses are lacking on cruise ships where outbreaks of the new coronavirus have been confirmed. To ensure the supply of medicines.
Approximately 3,600 people remain on the cruise ship Diamond Princess, where outbreaks of the new coronavirus have been confirmed, and passengers say there is a shortage of necessary medicines such as drugs for chronic diseases.
In response, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Kato told reporters in Tokyo on the night of March 8, "The medicines we usually use have run out, giving priority to those who need urgent attention. There is a slight time lag depending on the situation, but we want to respond as quickly as possible. "
He further stated, `` We are considering that a Japan Coast Guard ship will accompany the cruise ship and use a helicopter to deliver medicines, '' he said, working with the Japan Coast Guard and other organizations to ensure the supply of medicines. Was.
An American couple asked Reuters for a diplomatic response in order to be able to disembark. "We have heard that the United States will eventually rely on Japan in its current state. U.S. citizens will continue to stay with the Japanese people. "