Key Facts
• November 19-20: Mie Governor Katsuyuki Ichimi lobbied for next fiscal year’s budget.
• 118 requests submitted, with 15 classified as priority items.
• Public hospitals in Mie reported deficits in last fiscal year.
• Emergency financial aid and increased medical service fees were requested.
• Governor highlighted challenges in maintaining regional healthcare services.
• Support for tsunami evacuation towers and higher subsidy rates also sought.
• Proposal to establish a disaster prevention agency base in disaster-prone areas.
• Concerns raised over environmental impacts of solar power facilities.
• Governor met with key ministers and lawmakers to deliver requests.
• Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged challenges in hospital management.
Summary
Mie Governor Katsuyuki Ichimi conducted a two-day lobbying effort to secure funding for the next fiscal year, emphasizing the dire financial state of public hospitals in the region. With 118 requests submitted, 15 were marked as priorities, including emergency financial aid, increased medical service fees, and support for tsunami evacuation infrastructure. The governor also proposed establishing a disaster prevention agency base in disaster-prone areas and raised concerns about the environmental impact of solar power facilities. Key ministers, including Yoshimasa Hayashi, acknowledged the challenges and pledged to address them. The initiative underscores the urgent need for government intervention to sustain regional healthcare and disaster preparedness.
