The government is considering mobilizing doctors and nurses from the Self-Defense Forces at this summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said Tuesday, amid fears that the sporting event under current pandemic conditions could sap medical resources seriously needed by the public.

Kishi told a parliamentary committee that the ministry has received a request from the Tokyo Games organizing committee, which has been trying to secure enough medical personnel to ensure the safety of athletes and assisting staff.

"We would like to coordinate so that we can support both the Olympics and the operation of (vaccination) centers," Kishi said, while addressing a question from an opposition lawmaker.