Panic buying and unprecedented demand have left Japan facing significant shortages of flu medications, as the country grapples with a severe influenza outbreak. Since a record-breaking flu surge hit in late December last year, hospitals and pharmacies across the nation have been struggling to keep up with the demand.
According to China Media Group, the shortage has been attributed to uneven stock distribution and exacerbated by excessive hoarding by certain medical institutions.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases estimated that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, Japan recorded approximately 9.523 million flu cases, as per data released on January 31.
The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare reported on January 11, 2025, that the final week of December 2024 marked the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. During that week, approximately 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 317,812 patients—an average of 64.39 cases per facility—significantly surpassing the government's warning threshold of 30.
In response to the escalating outbreak, health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventive measures such as mask-wearing and thorough handwashing. Despite these appeals, panic buying of flu medications has intensified, leading to widespread shortages and placing additional strain on the healthcare system.
Simultaneously, Japan is experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks, with around 5 million chickens and other birds culled across five prefectures in January. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warned that the outbreaks show no signs of slowing and the situation may worsen, potentially breaking previous records. Egg prices have been impacted, with a reported 15 percent increase since the start of the year.
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Panic buying causes drug shortages in Japan amid flu outbreak
cgtn.com
