#Japan #Tokyo #Emergency Care #Ikegami Hospital #Doctor Car

Ikegami General Hospital Unveils New Doctor Car

On December 13, 2025, the Ikegami General Hospital, located in Ota, Tokyo, proudly showcased their new doctor car during an unveiling event. This innovative vehicle, based on the Toyota HiAce, comes equipped with advanced facilities designed to improve emergency medical care within the community. The new doctor car features a spacious interior that minimizes vibrations and expands the area available for patient treatment, aiming to enhance the overall patient experience during transport.

Emergency Medical Services and Crowdfunding

In pursuit of strengthening the emergency response system within the region, Ikegami General Hospital initiated a crowdfunding campaign from June 16 to September 9, 2025, with a target to raise funds for the purchase of the new doctor car. The hospital, led by Director Dr. Akiyoshi Shigeta, is a vital healthcare facility that specializes in acute cardiovascular diseases, particularly acute myocardial infarction, as a member of the Tokyo CCU Network. They operate a coordinated emergency response structure in collaboration with cardiovascular specialists to effectively manage patient admissions for critical conditions.

However, the necessity for a new doctor car arose due to the aging of the existing vehicle, which had been in service for over ten years. With inadequate equipment and signs of wear and tear, the old vehicle was no longer able to meet the continually rising demands for emergency medical services. Recognizing the importance of providing seamless medical care, the hospital embarked on a mission to gather community support for this vital acquisition through crowdfunding efforts.

During the three-month campaign, the hospital surpassed their initial fundraising goal of ¥15 million, reaching an impressive final sum of ¥23,095,738. The funds were subsequently allocated towards the procurement of the state-of-the-art doctor car equipped with critical medical devices.

Commitment to Quick Response

Dr. Shigeta expressed his gratitude towards the overwhelming support received from individuals and organizations alike. He emphasized that the new doctor car symbolizes a significant advancement in emergency medical services and will substantially improve the hospital's response times for life-threatening situations. "Our commitment is to reach patients as quickly as possible. This new vehicle plays a pivotal role in that mission," said Dr. Shigeta during the unveiling event.

The previous vehicle will still be retained as a secondary unit, ensuring that the hospital maintains its capability to respond to emergencies efficiently. The introduction of the new doctor car is expected to greatly enhance the overall speed and quality of emergency medical services provided to the community.

About Ikegami General Hospital

Founded in October 1993, Ikegami General Hospital features 384 beds and is a certified secondary emergency medical institution. The hospital prides itself on providing comprehensive medical services that support community well-being under its philosophy of striving for seamless healthcare. With diverse medical departments, the facility caters to various healthcare needs, ranging from acute care to rehabilitation services, further solidifying its commitment to fostering a robust healthcare environment within the region. Looking towards the future, a state-of-the-art hybrid operating room is set to be completed by early 2026, enabling the execution of complex surgical procedures typically performed at university hospitals.

The new doctor car represents a crucial milestone in enhancing emergency care at Ikegami General Hospital, a step towards ensuring the safety and health of the community it serves.