Japan’s economy and health ministries are forming a joint task force to prevent
shortages of medicines and medical supplies amid disruptions from the Middle
East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure risks. The focus is on critical items
such as blood products, dialysis equipment, syringes and gloves that rely on
petrochemical inputs like naphtha and ethylene. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
said there is no immediate disruption, while METI Minister Ryosei Akazawa said
Japan will secure alternative global supplies if needed. Authorities warned of
potential longer-term risks due to import dependence, though firms including
Nipro, Olympus and Terumo said production remains stable.
