Panic Buying Spurs Drug Shortages in Japan Amid Record Flu Outbreak
Japan is grappling with a severe shortage of flu medications as panic buying sweeps the nation amid an unprecedented influenza outbreak. Hospitals and pharmacies across the country have reported dwindling supplies, leaving many patients without essential treatments.
Since flu cases hit a record high in late December last year, the demand for antiviral drugs has surged dramatically. According to China Media Group, the shortage is partly due to uneven stock distribution and has been 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. Data released on January 31 highlighted the alarming scale of the outbreak.
In a report dated January 11, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare revealed that the final week of December 2024 marked the highest weekly flu caseload since record-keeping began in 1999. Around 5,000 designated medical institutions reported 317,812 patients during that week—an average of 64.39 cases per facility—far exceeding the government's warning threshold of 30.
Health officials have repeatedly urged citizens to adopt preventative measures, including wearing masks and practicing thorough handwashing, to curb the spread of the virus. Despite these efforts, the flu continues to strain Japan's healthcare system.
Adding to the health crisis, Japan is also experiencing a surge in avian influenza outbreaks. In January alone, approximately 5 million chickens and other birds were culled across five prefectures. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries warned that the situation shows no signs of slowing and may worsen, potentially breaking previous records.
The avian influenza outbreaks have also impacted the economy, particularly egg prices, which have risen by 15 percent since the start of the year, according to the ministry.
As Japan confronts these simultaneous challenges, authorities are striving to manage resources effectively and mitigate the impact on both public health and the economy.
