Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is set to benefit from a transformative donation of approximately 254 billion yen aimed at facilitating the construction of a new city hospital. This substantial financial gift was made by Koichi Okamoto, 77, and his wife Akemi Okamoto, 75, both former company executives, who have demonstrated long-standing commitment to community welfare.
The announcement was made on February 3rd, where city officials revealed the generous sum contributed by the couple. Notably, about 250 billion yen is earmarked for the renovation of the aging city hospital, with the remaining 4 billion yen allocated for the procurement of advanced medical technology and equipment.
The couple's decision to provide such remarkable support stems from their experiences during the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which prompted them to engage deeply with community relief efforts. They have since established their foundation focused on social contributions, playing active roles in volunteer training and disability employment support within Takarazuka City.
During the press conference, Koichi Okamoto stated, "I hope the hospital becomes an important institution for the citizens. I want Takarazuka to be a city with rich medical services." This emphasizes their desire for community members to have access to adequate healthcare services, validating their substantial donation.
The process set forth by the city for receiving these funds includes specific conditions: Takarazuka City will create a fund for the construction of the new hospital and aims to begin architectural design work within five years. Mayor Hareie Yamazaki expressed his heartfelt gratitude during the announcement, saying, "Thanks to the donation, we can preserve our city hospital, which is the last bastion for citizens' lives." This highlights the donation's significance for public health and safety.
With the total estimated cost for constructing the new city hospital projected to be around 400 billion yen, it is anticipated the donation could cover roughly 60% of the necessary funding. This will significantly alleviate the financial burden on the city, thereby enabling the fulfillment of the community's healthcare needs.
Mayor Yamazaki shared additional insights, emphasizing the necessity of the renovation by mentioning, "We need to establish the fund and start design work within five years." He reiterated the urgency for the city council to deliberate over forthcoming related proposals, ensuring timely progress toward the hospital’s renewal.
Currently, the existing city hospital dates back to its establishment in 1984 and urgently requires upgrading to meet modern healthcare demands. By aiming for completion and opening of the new facility by 2031, Takarazuka City hopes to provide improved services and satisfy the growing needs of its residents.
This monumental gesture by the Okamoto couple stands as a beacon of hope for community health, reflecting the power of philanthropy and its impact on public wellness. The city looks forward to realizing this project, ensuring its citizens have access to the healthcare services they deserve.