Tokyo, 1994, starting with medical training

Chapter 74 How did the country become like this?

Professor Nishimura smiled and nodded.

"Yes."

"The equipment in the hospital is from five years ago."

"Not only is the image clarity insufficient, but sometimes it is difficult to diagnose tiny lesions, leading to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis."

"The introduction of new equipment is also to better serve the people of Gunma Prefecture and improve the diagnostic and treatment level of our university hospital."

"After all, Representative Okawara has always been very concerned about medical and health care."

In order to stimulate the economy, the Japanese government at that time introduced a large number of public investment plans, including the construction of medical infrastructure.

But who gets this money and how much is a complex matter.

Gunma University is one of the New Eight Medical Universities, but it is only in the third tier nationwide.

In front of them are not only the top 7 former Imperial Universities (University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Osaka University, etc.), but also 6 former six medical universities (Chiba University, Okayama University, etc.).

For such a large project, without the support of political forces behind it, Gunma University would not even be considered a top university by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

"Three hundred million...!"

Secretary Kobayashi sighed, flicked his cigarette ash, and the embers flickered in the darkness.

"As you know, the current economic situation is not optimistic."

"While the legislator wants to help, he also needs to consider the balance with other constituencies."

"This funding is very difficult to approve."

"unless……"

He paused for a moment, then turned to look at Professor Nishimura with a smile.

"Unless Gunma University Hospital truly has irreplaceable value."

"But what if the outside world knew that a medical student who had only graduated six months prior was saving a life in the emergency room, while esteemed professors and senior doctors could only stand by helplessly, or were simply on their way..."

"What do you think taxpayers will think?"

"Will the opposition use this to their advantage and question the fairness of our budget allocation?"

Secretary Kobayashi brought up the matter again.

To be honest, he didn't care who saved the congressman's son's life.

Even if Kiryu Kazusuke is no longer here at Gunma University Hospital, another Kiryu Kazusuke will step forward.

He didn't care about the future of a medical resident.

Every year, the medical school produces outstanding graduates, some even more outstanding than Kazusuke Kiryu. It's not uncommon for young people to come from the University of Tokyo.

But that's just an excuse.

An excuse to negotiate with Sumika Nishimura.

"Kobayashi-san, you're too kind."

"Medical procedures are a holistic process, encompassing decision-making, execution, and post-operative management; none of these can be omitted."

"Although Kiryu-kun's judgment was accurate, he could not have achieved that level without my guidance and the training from the medical department."

"I think Representative Ōkawara understands this as well."

Professor Nishimura was a smart man, and he naturally understood that the other party was just using this as a starting point.

Secretary Kobayashi chuckled, tossed the cigarette butt on the ground, and stubbed it out with the tip of his shiny leather shoe.

"Of course the congressman understands."

"Therefore, lawmakers would prefer that this budget be spent wisely."

"For example, the expansion project of the laboratory."

"I see that your project proposal doesn't include a confirmed construction company yet, does it?"

"We have a suggestion: Da Dong Construction. This company has a lot of experience in building medical facilities."

"It has a very good reputation within the county; you might want to consider it."

Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, the true intentions were revealed.

This was the real purpose of Secretary Kobayashi's trip.

Designating a specific construction company means that at least 10% to 15% of the kickbacks will flow back into the pockets of the Ogawara councilor in the form of political donations.

Professor Nishimura's heart skipped a beat.

If Da Dong Construction was indeed designated, then the flow of project funds would no longer be under her control.

At that time, the benefits she can gain from it will be greatly reduced.

Professor Nishimura then looked troubled and said, "Well... the bidding process for this project must be transparent..."

But Secretary Kobayashi interrupted her excuse directly: "As long as we add a few technical parameters to the tender documents, I think Da Dong Construction will definitely stand out."

Public works are a cash cow for politicians.

The expansion project of the university hospital is naturally an indispensable piece of cream on this huge cake.

Professor Nishimura fell silent.

If we agree, although we won't get the project payment, the MRI equipment will still be imported. That's a multi-million dollar order, and we'll definitely get a kickback from the manufacturer.

The bamboo in the courtyard suddenly made a crisp "thump" sound as it startled the deer.

This brought her thoughts back to reality.

"I understand." Finally, Professor Nishimura nodded slowly. "Daito Construction is indeed a good choice. I will have the General Affairs Department arrange it."

"Professor Nishimura is indeed a wise man." Secretary Kobayashi smiled and stepped aside, saying, "Then let's go back, so as not to keep everyone waiting."

The two walked back along the wooden corridor, one after the other.

The atmosphere at the dinner party was lively.

The shamisen music continued to play softly in the room, and a geisha in a kimono covered her mouth and chuckled as she poured sake for several doctors whose faces were red and necks bulging.

Assistant Professor Mizutani was holding a microphone and singing a song by Saburo Kitajima with great enthusiasm.

I sang off-key all the way to my maternal grandmother's house.

However, the doctors around still clapped along politely.

"good!"

"Professor Mizutani sang so well!"

"This is the spirit of Showa men!"

Shoji Minami, a specialist in medicine, was enthusiastically shouting "Good!"

As a qualified junior doctor, at this moment, one doesn't need aesthetic appreciation, only to offer support.

The other lecturers and specialists also applauded, and although their smiles were somewhat perfunctory, they put on a very good show.

The sliding door was gently opened by the waiter.

Secretary Kobayashi and Professor Nishimura walked in one after the other, both wearing polite smiles.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting."

Secretary Kobayashi smiled and raised her hand to indicate that everyone should not be so formal.

Mizutani Mitsuma was very perceptive; he immediately put down the microphone and gave up the central seat.

He observed the professor's expression.

His smile was natural, and there was no gloom between his brows.

The talks seem to be going very smoothly.

Mizutani Mitsuma breathed a sigh of relief. As long as the professor was happy, the First Surgery Department would have an easier time next year, and so would he.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Stepping out of the ryotei "Matsunoya", the air outside was bitterly cold.

It was already past nine o'clock at night.

Taxis are extremely difficult to hail on the streets of Qianqiao City.

During this year-end season when parties and celebrations are in full swing, the demand for cars is extremely high. However, the scene of people waving 10,000 yen bills to stop taxis on the roadside is no longer seen.

Secretary Kobayashi and Professor Nishimura, who had their own car and driver, left surrounded by the crowd.

"Are you really not going?"

"Kiryu-kun, Minami-senpai just said he's treating us to a meal at that really famous karaoke place."

"I heard the hostesses there are all very pretty."

"Are you really not going?"

Tanaka Kenji's face was flushed, his tie had been ripped off and stuffed into his pocket, and he was still trying to invite Kiryu Kazusuke to continue the party, his tongue slurred.

"I'm not going."

Kiryu Kazusuke tightened the collar of his coat, refusing decisively.

That's such a pity.

Kenji Tanaka muttered something, and seeing that he couldn't persuade him, he stopped insisting.

He turned and jumped into a car, squeezing in with several equally excited medical professionals, and sped away.

They're probably going to a Snack Bar that offers escort services or a more direct sex establishment.

(End of this chapter)