The government and medical institutions are calling on people to check which hospitals and clinics will be open during the upcoming longer Golden Week holiday as some outpatient departments will be closed.
People with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are particularly advised to make sure they are prescribed sufficient amounts of medicine ahead of the holiday, which has been extended to 10 days to celebrate the Imperial succession.
During a normal Golden Week holiday, local clinics take turns to treat patients. According to a survey by the Japan Medical Association, mostly comprising self-employed doctors, 60 percent of responding local medical associations said they are planning to do the same during the 10-day-long holiday.