Part 1: General Practitioners (6) Entering an Era of Decline – Yamagata Shimbun

News Highlights

Yamagata Shimbun reported on the current situation where the number of general practitioners is entering an era of decline. Amidst the worsening problem of a lack of successors, the value of choosing third-party succession rather than closure or廃業 (going out of business) is being highlighted. The necessity of preparing for business succession in units of 5-10 years from around age 60 for chairpersons and directors, and the utilization of support organizations specializing in the medical industry are suggested.

Perspective from M&A Medical Editorial Department

The decline of general practitioners in Yamagata Prefecture, a situation that could shake the foundation of regional healthcare, is a common issue in many areas nationwide. In particular, “closure” due to a lack of successors is not merely the disappearance of a single medical institution but significantly reduces access to medical care for local residents. The “third-party succession” suggested by this news is a realistic option to avoid the worst-case scenario of closure or going out of business and to continue illuminating the lamp of regional healthcare. The recommendation that medical institution managers, especially chairpersons and directors, should start preparing for business succession from around age 60 is extremely important. A period of 5-10 years is indispensable for successor training, consideration of M&A schemes, and above all, building relationships with reliable successors. The utilization of specialized advisors well-versed in medical M&A will be key to successfully navigating this complex process.

Points Highlighted by This News

• Significant signs of a nationwide decline in general practitioners, not limited to Yamagata Prefecture
• The serious impact of “closure” due to a lack of successors on regional healthcare access
• Re-recognition of the importance of “third-party succession” as a measure to avoid closure or going out of business
• The necessity of setting a concrete timeline of 5-10 years for business succession preparation starting around age 60

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• In Yamagata Prefecture, specifically which medical specialties are experiencing a decline in general practitioners?
• When considering third-party succession, what types of medical institutions are considered promising as successor candidates?
• What specific support do specialized advisors in medical M&A provide?

If You Feel “Should I Consult Too?”

Is your institution’s chairperson or director around 60 years old? Are you concretely considering options other than closure or going out of business in a situation where there is no successor? If you wish to continue contributing to regional healthcare while also balancing your own post-retirement life plan, it may be time to explore the possibilities of third-party succession. First, we recommend consulting with specialists focused on medical M&A to gather information about the optimal succession plan tailored to your institution’s situation.

M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the business succession of medical corporations, hospitals, and clinics on a complete success fee basis as an M&A support institution certified by the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency. Consultations are accepted with strict confidentiality. Free consultation here