Some 60% of medical facilities in Futaba inclined toward reopening: survey

The Fukushima prefectural government announced on Nov. 19 the results of a survey of medical facilities in Futaba County that have suspended business due to the nuclear accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima Daiichi plant, asking if they plan to reopen within the next five years. The county comprises eight municipalities (six towns and two villages). Of the 35 facilities that responded, six said they “will reopen” while 14 said they “hope to reopen in their local town or village if conditions are right.” In other words, 20 facilities, or nearly 60% of the respondents, expressed a positive attitude toward resuming their operations. The results were announced at a meeting in the prefectural government office held to discuss the medical care system in Futaba County. The survey was conducted on 70 facilities – five public and private hospitals, 40 medical clinics, and 25 dental clinics – in six of the municipalities in the county. Hirono town and Kawauchi village were not included. Responding to the survey were 35 facilities -- four hospitals, 19 medical clinics and 12 dental clinics. (Translated by Kyodo News)