The Japan Medical Association announced Wednesday it will deploy the J-MAT disaster medical team to earthquake-stricken areas in Kumamoto Prefecture [1].
This mobilization is critical because disaster zones often face secondary health crises. Providing immediate medical oversight in evacuation centers prevents the spread of disease and addresses the acute psychological trauma associated with high-intensity seismic events.
The deployment follows an earthquake that recorded a maximum seismic intensity of seven [2]. The J-MAT teams are tasked with managing the health of survivors and providing essential mental health care within shelters, and other temporary facilities [1].
Yoshirō Matsumoto, president of the Japan Medical Association, said the organization intends to support the affected areas by working together with medical associations across the country [1]. The initiative focuses on both physical health and the psychological well-being of the victims.
"I want to provide care including the mental aspect of the disaster victims," Matsumoto said [1].
By coordinating with local physician networks, the J-MAT teams aim to integrate their efforts with existing regional medical infrastructure. This approach ensures that the transition from emergency relief to long-term recovery is managed through continuous health monitoring [1].
The association is prioritizing the stabilization of health services in Kumamoto to mitigate the long-term impact of the disaster on the local population [1].
“The Japan Medical Association announced Wednesday it will deploy the J-MAT disaster medical team to earthquake-stricken areas in Kumamoto Prefecture.”
The deployment of J-MAT signifies a shift toward comprehensive disaster recovery that prioritizes mental health alongside physical triage. By leveraging a national network of physicians, the Japan Medical Association is attempting to prevent the 'hidden' casualties of disasters—such as chronic stress and neglected comorbid conditions—which often emerge after the initial rescue phase ends.
