How to View the Annual Closure of 3,700 Hospitals and Clinics: An Interview with Hiroshi Matsuyama, Chief Secretary of the National Federation of Insurance Medical Organizations, and Yukitaka Kamakura, Senior Managing Director of the Japan Medical Research Institute | Akahata Newspaper – jcp.or.jp

News Highlights

Hiroshi Matsuyama, Chief Secretary of the National Federation of Insurance Medical Organizations, and Yukitaka Kamakura, Senior Managing Director of the Japan Medical Research Institute, discuss the closure of approximately 3,700 hospitals and clinics annually. Key points raised include the value of choosing third-party succession over closure or business dissolution as a response to succession issues, the importance for directors and clinic presidents to begin early preparations in 5-10 year increments from around age 60, and the utilization of support organizations specializing in the medical industry.

Perspective from M&A Medical Editorial Department

The annual closure figure of 3,700 is a number that cannot be overlooked from the perspective of maintaining and reorganizing the medical service system. In particular, clinic closures due to lack of successors can be described as a crisis directly linked to the creation of healthcare voids in communities. The “third-party succession” suggested in this news is not merely one option for business succession, but an extremely realistic and effective means of fulfilling the social mission of continuing medical services to local residents. In light of this situation, M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports the formulation of early business succession plans and the establishment of third-party succession schemes involving experts, particularly for regional and small-to-medium-sized medical institutions. It is crucial to view this not as a mere “sale,” but as “business succession” that carries forward the institution’s philosophy and community contributions, thereby achieving optimal matching.

Discussion Points Indicated by This News

• The scale of closures, with 3,700 cases annually, suggests an urgent issue in maintaining and reorganizing regional healthcare.
• The lack of successors is not just a management problem, but a social issue concerning the continuity of regional healthcare.
• “Third-party succession” as an alternative to closure or business dissolution can be a realistic option to prevent healthcare voids in communities.
• Business succession for medical institutions requires indispensable early and planned preparation in 5-10 year increments.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• What proportion of the 3,700 annual closures are due to a lack of successors?
• When considering third-party succession, what specific types of medical institutions are potential candidates?
• What specific support can M&A advisors specializing in medical institutions provide?

If You Feel “Should I Consult Too?”

Are your institution’s director or president around 60 years old? Is there a clear successor candidate? If you are concerned about future business succession or are looking for options other than closure or dissolution, now is precisely the time to concretely consider third-party succession. M&A Medical (CentralMedience Inc.) supports matching with parties who will carry forward your institution’s philosophy and community contributions, and facilitates the smooth construction of succession schemes. First, please tell us about your institution’s current situation and future vision.

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