Announcement of Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno’s Post

News Highlights

On May 18, 2026, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno held a post-cabinet press conference. During the conference, the value of choosing third-party succession as a measure for the succession problem in medical institutions, rather than closure or廃業 (business closure), was emphasized. Specifically, the importance of early preparation in 5-10 year increments starting around age 60 for chairpersons and directors was suggested, and the utilization of specialized advisors focused on the medical industry was also recommended.

M&A Medical Editorial Department’s Perspective

The post-cabinet press conference by Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ueno provided an opportunity for medical institution managers facing a lack of successors to reaffirm the importance of third-party succession. The necessity of a business succession plan with a “5-10 year span” starting around age 60, going beyond traditional frameworks like “successor training” or “family succession,” suggests the importance of executing M&A in a planned and strategic manner. Especially considering the complex factors unique to medical institutions such as facilities, personnel, and licenses, the early involvement of specialized advisors well-versed in medical M&A is an indispensable element for achieving smooth third-party succession. This message is extremely insightful for avoiding the option of closure or business closure and for maximizing business value while maintaining regional healthcare.

Points Raised by This News

• The suggestion of the necessity for third-party succession preparation in a 5-10 year span starting around age 60.
• The public mention of the value of third-party succession as an alternative to closure or business closure.
• The suggestion of the importance of utilizing specialized advisors, considering the complexities unique to medical institutions.
• The necessity of a strategic approach to business succession for ensuring the sustainability of regional healthcare.

Practical Questions Arising from This News

• Were there any specific schemes or examples of third-party succession mentioned in the Minister’s press conference?
• What kind of specific support do specialized advisors who assist with medical institution M&A provide?
• Amidst the worsening problem of successor shortages, what specific support measures will be implemented in the future to protect regional healthcare?

If You Feel “Should I Consult Too?”

If you are a chairperson or director around age 60 and feel vague anxiety about a lack of successors or business succession, you should interpret this ministerial statement as a sign to “consider early.” By specifically exploring the option of third-party succession instead of closure or business closure, and by consulting with advisors specializing in medical M&A, you may be able to identify the most suitable succession scheme for your institution’s situation. Let’s start by gathering information.

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