REGULATORY

MHLW Urges Stable Supply of Drugs after Kumamoto Earthquake

July 30, 2026

Japan’s health ministry has asked five industry organizations, including the Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Associations of Japan (FPMAJ), to take steps to ensure the stable supply of pharmaceuticals and medical devices following the Kumamoto earthquake.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) issued an administrative communication to the five organizations on July 28, saying it will monitor local supply and demand conditions for pharmaceuticals and medical devices and take any necessary measures. It also asked the organizations to provide active support if requested by the ministry.

The notice was sent to the FPMAJ, the Federation of Japan Pharmaceutical Wholesalers Association (JPWA), the Japan Federation of Medical Devices Associations, the Japan Association of Health Industry Distributors, and the Japan Industrial and Medical Gases Association.

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