Japan to release 50 mil. medical gloves from stockpiles amid supply fears
(Mainichi Japan)
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government said Thursday it will release 50 million medical gloves from its stockpiles to the domestic medical industry from May to ease concerns over supplies of petroleum-derived materials amid Middle East tensions.
The government, which maintains about 500 million medical gloves in stock for pandemics, will release a portion deemed necessary for now to respond promptly to requests from medical institutions, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said at a ministerial meeting on the Middle East situation.
"In health care, unexpected incidents would never be allowed," Takaichi said, pledging continued efforts to ensure that people's livelihoods and economic activities are not adversely affected by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has triggered a significant global oil shock.
The energy fallout from the war has posed a challenge to Asia, as many countries in the region rely heavily on crude imports from the Middle East. The disruption is feared to strain the medical sector, as many supplies, such as rubber gloves, are manufactured in Asia using petroleum products sourced from the Middle East.
The government estimates monthly domestic demand for medical gloves at around 90 million and may consider additional releases from its stockpiles if necessary, officials said, adding there are signs that large medical institutions are hoarding.
"Stalled supply chains in Asia will directly affect Japan's procurement of medical supplies," Takaichi said, noting that parts of hemodialysis systems and blood waste containers are also imported from other parts of Asia.
The Japanese government announced on Wednesday that it will provide $10 billion in financial support, mainly to Southeast Asian nations, to beef up energy supply chains across the region, such as through loans for procuring oil and petroleum products and expanding stockpiles.
Last week, the United States and Iran agreed on a two-week ceasefire and are reportedly considering its extension. But uncertainty remains over the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global energy transport that has been effectively closed since the U.S.-Israeli attacks in late February.
