Key Facts
• June 11: Kagoshima Prefectural Assembly began general questioning on perinatal care.
• Imakiire General Hospital to suspend childbirth services starting August 2025.
• Reasons: Declining birth rates and difficulty maintaining sustainable medical services.
• Hospital equipped with NICU and designated as a regional perinatal center in 2009.
• Fujisaki Prefectural Assembly Member: Urged proactive policy intervention for stable maternity care.
• Governor Shioda: Avoided commitment to action within the fiscal year but emphasized urgency.
• Prefecture held discussions with Kagoshima City Hospital and Kagoshima University Hospital in June.
• Focus: Addressing challenges and improving perinatal medical systems.
Summary
Imakiire General Hospital in Kagoshima City announced the suspension of childbirth services starting August 2025, citing challenges in securing obstetricians and declining birth rates. The hospital, a key regional perinatal center since 2009, is one of the few facilities in the area equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and capable of handling high-risk deliveries. During the Kagoshima Prefectural Assembly on June 11, Fujisaki Prefectural Assembly Member called for proactive policy measures to ensure the stability of maternity care facilities. Governor Shioda acknowledged the urgency but refrained from committing to specific actions within the fiscal year. The prefecture has initiated discussions with local hospitals to address current challenges and strengthen perinatal medical systems.
