Asahikawa Medical University Launches Crowdfunding Campaign to Replace Aging Emergency Vehicle
ASAHIKAWA, Hokkaido — Asahikawa Medical University is seeking public support through a crowdfunding campaign to replace its aging mobile clinic, known as the “doctor car.” This vehicle plays a critical role in providing emergency medical care and transporting patients to the hospital. The university, which serves as a major medical hub for the northern and eastern regions of Hokkaido, relies on this vehicle to supplement its helicopter services, especially when weather conditions or lack of landing sites make air transport impractical.
The doctor car, introduced in 2014, is staffed by a doctor, nurse, and paramedic. It allows for advanced treatment at the scene of emergencies and facilitates patient transport. Over the years, it has been instrumental in responding to accidents, natural disasters, and other urgent situations. For example, it provided critical assistance during the 2018 eastern Iburi earthquake in Hokkaido and the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Despite its importance, the doctor car faces challenges. Initially intended to operate within a 30-kilometer radius of the university hospital, it now frequently travels outside the city, with approximately 50 dispatches per year. This increased usage has placed additional strain on the vehicle, which has not been upgraded despite the typical replacement cycle for ambulances, which lasts seven to 10 years.
Financial Challenges and the Role of Crowdfunding
The university faces significant financial constraints. Emergency vehicles are costly to maintain, given their specialized medical equipment and attachments. President Yuji Nishikawa acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “Our doctor car has accumulated wear and tear from rigorous use, but budgeting for a new one with the university’s tight financial situation is tough.”
To address these challenges, the university has turned to crowdfunding as a novel approach to raise funds for equipment and research projects. In May 2024, it partnered with Readyfor Inc., a crowdfunding platform. During its first fundraiser in January 2025, the university successfully raised funds for three projects, including one focused on cancer treatment research.
For its second campaign, the university set a target of 23 million yen (about $150,000) to purchase an emergency vehicle that does not include patient transport capabilities. However, to acquire a vehicle similar to the current doctor car, the university needs to raise 40 million yen (approximately $260,000).
Call for Community Support
Motoi Okada, head of the university’s emergency and critical care center, urged the public to support the initiative. He emphasized the importance of pre-hospital treatment and the need for community collaboration in preserving essential medical services. “We want people to empathize with the importance and necessity of pre-hospital treatment and to agree with the idea of ‘acting together to protect community medicine,’ and to help and assist us,” he said.
The crowdfunding campaign offers tax-deductible donations and various perks, such as invitations to the unveiling ceremony for the new doctor car. Donations can be made until the end of December 19, 2025, through Readyfor (in Japanese).
This initiative highlights the growing reliance on public contributions to sustain vital healthcare services, especially in regions where resources are limited. As the university continues to seek support, the success of this campaign could determine the future of emergency care in the area.