Doctors’ association in Tokyo demands Olympic cancellation

An association of doctors in Tokyo has called for the cancellation of the Olympic Games two months before they are due to begin in the Japanese capital due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter sent to Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, among others on Tuesday, the group of about 6,000 doctors asked the government and organisers to consult with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about cancelling the Games.

“Cancelling an event that has the potential to increase the number of infections and deaths is the right choice,’’ the group said.

The letter joins increasing resistance to the Games in Tokyo which remains in a state of emergency with hospitals approaching breaking point.

Japan is also struggling to carry out vaccinations against the coronavirus with only about one per cent of the 125-million population fully vaccinated.

Both local organisers and the IOC remain insistent the Games delayed by a year due to the pandemic, can begin as planned on July 23.