Citizens take action to defend public children's hospital

In Tokyo's Kiyose City, trade unions and other organizations joined with residents to establish an association to block the Tokyo government's plan to shut down a metropolitan children hospital.

On September 4, about 40 people from 12 organizations, including the New Japan Women's Association and the Kiyose District Council of Trade Unions, launched a joint struggle organization, the Association to Defend Kiyose Children's Hospital.

The problem arose when Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro's advisory council unveiled a plan to consolidate the existing three children hospitals into one that is to be constructed in Fuchu City.

The association has decided to collect over 50,000 signatures to petition related local assemblies, and carry out publicity activities, including a citizens' rally in September or October.

A mother whose daughter has epileptic seizures and is attending the hospital said that public hospitals run by local governments should not adopt profit-first policy.

Komatsu Kyoko, Japanese Communist Party Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly member, attended the inaugural meeting. The mayor of Kiyose sent a congratulatory message to it. (end)