Over 70% of Care Facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture Express Concern Over Supply Shortages, with Disposable Plastic Gloves (Gloves) Most Acutely Affected

DoctorMate Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and Physician: Naoki Aoyagi; hereinafter “DoctorMate”), which provides medical solutions for care facilities, conducted a field survey targeting 126 active staff members working at care facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture to assess the impact of rising medical needs and unstable Middle Eastern conditions on on-site operations.

Earlier, in late April of this year, DoctorMate conducted a nationwide survey, which revealed that approximately half of respondents were already experiencing difficulties in the supply of plastic materials due to disruptions in raw material supply caused by the tense situation in the Middle East. In response, DoctorMate conducted an additional survey focused on Hiroshima Prefecture, a core region in the Chugoku area. By comparing and analyzing the results with the national survey, the severity of supply shortages and unique medical needs in the prefecture were clarified.

The purpose of this survey is to visualize objective challenges faced by frontline staff, prevent excessive hoarding and market disruption, promote stable supply of essential materials, and contribute to building reliable and sustainable facility management systems. DoctorMate plans to continue conducting field surveys in other regions and disseminating frontline voices.

Survey Summary

- Over 60% of active staff report increased medical care demands, with infection control being the top need - More than half of respondents say supply issues affect their work, with disposable plastic gloves (gloves) cited most frequently - Approximately 70% of active staff express concern over future supply, indicating a potentially worsening situation

Over 60% of Active Staff Report Increased Medical Care, with Infection Control as Top Need

In this survey, when asked about recent increases in medical knowledge acquisition and the need for medical care such as enteral nutrition, suctioning, and insulin injections, approximately 60% of all respondents (60.8%) answered “increased.” When limited to healthcare professionals (caregivers, nurses, care managers; 65 respondents), this proportion rose to about 70% (67.7%), clearly indicating a rise in medical care demands at care facilities.

As with the nationwide survey conducted by DoctorMate in May this year (※1), care facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture are also experiencing increased severity and sophistication of needs due to the aging population. This highlights that the level of medical expertise required of on-site staff has become higher than ever before.

Over 60% of Active Staff Report Increased Medical Care; Among Professionals (65 Respondents), Rate Rises to Nearly 70%

Among those who reported an increase in medical care demands, specific needs (multiple responses allowed) were further examined. “Infection control (35 respondents)” ranked highest, followed closely by “BPSD (behavioral and psychological symptoms) associated with dementia (33 respondents)” and “prevention of aspiration pneumonia and oral care (32 respondents).”

※1 Middle East crisis hits care facilities: Nearly half of caregivers already feel “supply shortages.” Difficulty in obtaining plastic consumables becomes barrier to hygiene management. https://doctormate.co.jp/news/post-260501

Among Specific Needs (Multiple Responses), “Infection Control (35 Respondents)” Was Most Frequently Cited

50% of Respondents Report Impact on Operations, with Disposable Plastic Gloves (Gloves) Most Affected

Regarding the current supply situation of plastic products in Hiroshima Prefecture as of June 2026, over 50% of respondents reported that it “affects” their operations.

Over 50% of Respondents Report Impact on Operations

Specifically, “disposable plastic gloves (gloves) (43 respondents),” essential for hygiene management, accounted for nearly 40% of valid responses, making it the most frequently cited item. This is about twice the number for the second most cited item, “disposable aprons/gowns (23 respondents),” and represents a significant gap—over three times higher—compared to other supplies.

In May, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare decided to release 50 million medical gloves to healthcare facilities in response to the Middle East situation (※2). However, with few exceptions, most care facilities were not included in this distribution. There is growing concern that the shortage of plastic gloves will become increasingly severe in care facilities.

※2 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: “Release of medical gloves in response to Middle East situation” https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_73131.html

“Disposable Plastic Gloves (Gloves) (43 Respondents)” Accounted for Nearly 40% of Valid Responses, Ranking Highest

Over 70% of Respondents Express Concern Over Future Supply Difficulties

When asked about future procurement outlook, over 70% of respondents (75.7%) answered that they “have concerns about future supply difficulties.” This reveals that a large number of frontline staff are experiencing strong anxiety about the future of supply chains.

Over 70% of Respondents (75.7%) Express Concern About Future Supply Difficulties

Regarding specific items of concern, “plastic-related products (disposable gloves, aprons, treatment bags, etc.)” ranked highest, reaffirming the severity of the already apparent glove shortage. Concerns are also spreading to a wide range of essential supplies for facility operations, including “care and medical consumables (diapers, sheets, etc.)” and “hygiene supplies (masks, disinfectants, etc.).”

In open-ended responses, concerns about rising energy prices (electricity, gas) and gasoline costs were prominent. Some reported being forced to limit the frequency of bathing assistance due to these cost increases, revealing that inflation is already directly affecting residents’ QOL (quality of life) and service delivery systems.

Results Reaffirm the Severity of the Already Apparent Glove Shortage

Message from DoctorMate Representative Naoki Aoyagi

This survey in Hiroshima Prefecture revealed that while the need for “infection control” is highest at care facilities, the shortage of “disposable plastic gloves,” essential for hygiene management, is becoming increasingly severe. With infectious diseases expected to rise in the coming summer months, the current supply shortage may be heightening anxiety among frontline staff.

We believe it is crucial to closely monitor the current situation in care facilities to prevent supply shortages and rising costs from negatively impacting residents’ QOL. DoctorMate will continue to actively understand the realities of care facilities and fully contribute to building safe and sustainable facility management systems.

Survey Overview

- Survey Period: June 2, 2026 – June 6, 2026 - Survey Method: Online survey - Target: Active staff (caregivers, nurses, care managers, and other professionals) working at care facilities in Hiroshima Prefecture