It was revealed that the Fukuoka Asian Medical Support Center, which was opened by the Prefecture 2.5 years ago to support foreign patients wishing to visit Japan for medical treatment, has yet to serve a patient. When questioned at a recent session of the Prefectural Assembly, Governor Ogawa responded by saying, “Our overseas networks were insufficient.” The Center was established in January 2012, and its operation was delegated to a non-profit organization for an annual fee of ¥10~18 million. The Prefecture says a dozen or so people have contacted the Center, but no referrals were ever made to medical institutions. Interpreters were dispatched to the Center 29 times through March 2014, but 21 of those cases actually involved resident foreigners who are not eligible for the Center’s services. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 6/18
