TOKYO: The Japanese government on Tuesday urged business leaders to boost production and deliveries of medical equipment such as ventilators and protective wear to prepare for a potential spike in COVID-19 patients.

The request was made by industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama and health minister Katsunobu Kato in a meeting with Hiroaki Nakanishi, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, and Kengo Sakurada, chairman of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, or Keizai Doyukai.

The move comes amid mounting concerns about a potential collapse of the health system in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, a situation that limits the ability to treat patients with severe symptoms.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nakanishi suggested that the business community will act swiftly in line with the government request, saying that "speed is important."

JIJI Press