Photo/Illutration Yoshitake Yokokura, president of the Japan Medical Association, answers questions from reporters in November. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

A leading physicians association is warning that Japan's health care system is on the verge of crisis due to the spread of the new coronavirus in a document titled "State of the Medical System Crisis."

In the document, released April 1, the Japan Medical Association (JMA) said that medical institutions would become unable to treat patients if more infection cases arise, given that hospitals in some parts of the country, especially in major cities, are experiencing a shortage of beds.

The JMA is seeking cooperation from the public for taking thorough measures to maintain good health and prevent further spread of the virus. It said such measures need to be taken right now as it will be too late after an explosive spread of infections has occurred.

During a news conference the same day, the JMA again urged the government to declare a state of emergency under the revised special measures law, which was passed in the Diet on March 13.

Under a state of emergency, prefectural governors can ask residents to stay home.

“It took just two weeks (before the health care system was overwhelmed) in Western countries (following the surge in the number of new infections),” said JMA President Yoshitake Yokokura at the news conference. “The same thing could happen in Japan if we let our guard down.”

Satoshi Kamayachi, a JMA executive board member, said, “We issued the 'State of the Medical System Crisis' because we need to seek the understanding and cooperation of the public (to deal with the outbreak).”

The association cited the possibility that as some hospitals might be required to treat only those who are infected with the coronavirus, they may need to transfer their patients who are being treated for diseases not related to the virus to other medical institutions.