News

Tohoku University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital commemorated the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two hospitals with a signing ceremony. The event, which took place online because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, marks a major milestone in their budding relations.

Oulu University Hospital is one of five university hospitals across Finland, serving over 741,000 inhabitants across the city of Oulu and the surrounding areas; it covers more than half of Finland's geographical area.

The MOU will promote further intercultural, educational, clinical and scientific exchanges. At the heart of the MOU is the promotion of smart hospitals.

Tohoku University Hospital began its Smart Hospital Project in October 2019 to create patient-centered care based upon cutting edge medical technologies whilst reducing the cost of care. It seeks to achieve this through co-creation and alliances with industry and using technology such as AI.

Tohoku University Hospital Director Teiji Tominaga spoke of the challenges ahead for medical care in Japan. He noted that medical needs are increasing whilst medical resources are decreasing. Forging strong alliances and fostering co-creation with industries helps to alleviate these problems.

"We wish to learn from your example as the smartest hospital in the world," said Tominaga. "We recognize the well-established branding of the city of Oulu which has successfully harbored a startup ecosystem backed up by a close-knit community amongst its governing bodies, companies and universities."

Oulu University Hospital Director Ilkka Luoma echoed the challenges ahead. "Both Japan and Finland share similar challenges; our populations are aging and the need for specialist care is increasing."

Luoma also spoke at length about the massive changes the hospital is undertaking. The hospital, which was built in the 1970s, is being rebuilt. Two phases of construction will take place over the coming 10 years to replace the old building.

"With the new building, the requirements for the university will change completely. There will be a desperate need to increase productivity," Luoma added.

The three other points of collaboration will promote the exchange of information, encourage short-term visits between faculty members and researchers and explore new funding opportunities.

The MOU is based on the Co-Incubation Agreement for Industry Promotion 2020-2025 between the City of Oulu, BusinessOulu, the City of Sendai and Sendai City Industrial Promotion Organization.

Both mayors from the city of Oulu and Sendai delivered congratulatory messages online. Oulu's Mayor Päivi Laajala recalled her visit to Sendai in 2019 to renew the Co-Incubation Agreement. Sendai's Mayor Kazuko Kohri spoke about her encouragement for the agreement. "I hope the agreement will promote smart hospitals, promote further exchanges between both societies and utilize the future strengths of each respective hospital," Kohri said.

Tohoku University's Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, professor Nobuo Yaegashi, and Oulu University's Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Anne Remes, both delivered their respective remarks on the MOU. In addition, the Ambassador of Finland to Japan and the Ambassador of Japan to Finland spoke of the close bond between Japan and Finland, pointing out that the countries recently celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations.

Oulu University's Chief Administrative Physician Juha Korpelainen provided the closing remarks and reminded those in attendance that the pursuit of developing smart hospitals will bring the two sides closer together.

After the concluding remarks, Directors Tominaga and Luoma signed the agreement. Although the event was forced to take place online, the two sides are hopeful of visiting each other soon.