2024 Volume 29 Issue 3 Pages 230-236
Disaster medical logistics are crucial in disaster-stricken areas as resources, such as lifelines, are limited, enabling medical teams to operate effectively. During disasters, logistics are supplied and coordinated by local governments, such as prefectural disaster management headquarters. Therefore, coordination between local governments and the receiving medical teams and institutions is essential. This study defined such coordination as the “Disaster Medical Logistics Resource Coordination System.” This study reported the efforts of Hyogo Prefecture to establish and refine the Disaster Medical Logistics Resource Coordination System. Hyogo Prefecture has progressively developed its coordination system. In 2004, the Hyogo Prefecture Emergency Medical Care System Operating Council was established. The logistics leaders were selected following the 2016 disaster medical logistics workshop. In 2017, the leaders formed the Hyogo Prefecture Logistics Working Group under the council. This working group aids in advancing the Disaster Medical Logistics Resource Coordination System. In 2018, the leaders identified critical logistical issues and reviewed disaster prevention agreements, modifying or creating new ones as necessary. These efforts underscore the importance of organizations that comprise disaster medical logistics personnel. However, securing the time and budget for these initiatives remains challenging. By preparing the Disaster Medical Logistics Resource Coordination System at the prefectural level, effective disaster medical services can be provided, reducing reliance on external support during disasters. The initiatives of Hyogo Prefecture serve as valuable references for other prefectures in developing similar systems.