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Prime Minister Observes the National Center for Child Health and Development Monday, April 14, 2008 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda visited the National Center for Child Health and Development in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, and observed its newborn room, newborn intensive care unit, emergency visit service, and other facilities. Prime Minister Fukuda said of his impressions of the visit, "I had previously heard that the Center is thoroughly equipped with high-tech facilities. Now I have learned a lot from the staff members about the full range of medical services supervised at the Center including obstetrics, pediatrics and emergency care, all of which are areas in the medical system that need improvement. Various specific issues have been pointed out so far, which I have perceived as challenges that we are now taking on. Today, I came to visit the Center to learn about current issues on site, which turned out to be a very enlightening experience for me." Furthermore, on the shortage of obstetricians and pediatricians, the Prime Minister said, "This visit has been a fresh reminder of the urgency of the matter. We must immediately work on the financing problems and other issues. I'm planning to compile a vision for the medical system covering obstetrics, pediatrics and emergency care by around next month. Based on this vision we will strive to meet specific targets."