A Tragedy in the Pandemic: The Kobe City Traffic Accident Medical Refusal Incident
In 2022, a shocking incident occurred in Kobe City, Japan. A man involved in a traffic accident was refused medical treatment by a hospital because he tested positive for COVID-19.
Even more distressingly, the ambulance did not take him home but instead left him at the accident scene.
This event sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious questions: “How could such a thing happen in a system meant to protect lives?”
At that time, Japan was struggling with a surge in COVID-19 cases. Hospitals had strict admission policies to prevent the spread of infection, and accepting COVID-positive patients required special facilities and protocols, placing a heavy burden on medical staff. However, in emergency situations like traffic accidents, it is expected that injured people will receive immediate and appropriate care. Leaving an injured person at the scene because of an infection risk is a grave humanitarian issue.
This incident highlighted the difficult balance between “infection control” and “saving lives.” While preventing the spread of infectious diseases is important, abandoning injured or sick individuals cannot be justified.
This tragedy forced society to reconsider how to balance these two critical values.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, not only the medical community but also government and society as a whole must review emergency response systems and regulations.
It is essential to remember the fundamental mission of healthcare—to protect lives—and to work towards a society where everyone can receive medical care without fear.
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