In order to solve the problem of a shortage of hospital pharmacists in the region, the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital (Kita-ku, Osaka City, Chairman: Inagaki Nobuya), a public interest incorporated foundation, has, in consultation with Osaka Prefecture, begun seconding a pharmacist to the Kamehiro Memorial Medical Society Kansai Sanatorium (Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture, Chairman: Kamehiro Maya) from January 2025. This marks the first time that a pharmacist has been seconded to a medical institution within Osaka Prefecture.

Towards solving regional medical issues in Osaka Prefecture

In Osaka Prefecture's secondary medical care area, the number of pharmacists per 100,000 people is 308.9, which is higher than the national average of 255.2, but there are large regional differences, with the Senshu region in particular having 202.6, the second lowest after the Nakagawachi region, and below the national average (see figure below). Furthermore, while the Kansai Sanatorium where I was seconded is a psychiatric hospital, half of the inpatients are elderly, over 60 years old, and many suffer from lifestyle-related diseases. Drug therapy is also administered for conditions other than psychiatric illnesses, and with the regional shortage of pharmacists, there was a particular need for support from a pharmacist secondment. By seconding pharmacists to areas with a shortage of hospital pharmacists, our hospital aims to help our pharmacists acquire practical skills related to rural medical care and contribute to regional medical care.

Source: Osaka Prefecture "8th Osaka Prefecture Medical Plan (2024-2029)"

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