# 543
Japan, which has a population less than half that of the United States, has more Tamiflu stockpiled already than we do, about 25 million courses of treatment.
They obviously believe that isn't enough, and are ordering another 3 million doses of that anti-viral.
Japan steps up Tamiflu stocks
TOKYO (AFP) - Japan said Tuesday it will increase its stockpile of Tamiflu to protect against bird flu, despite questions over the blockbuster drug's side effects.
Japan, which is already the world's biggest importer of Tamiflu, previously stockpiled enough of the drug to treat 25 million patients for five days.
The health ministry announced Wednesday it will increase the stock to cover another three million patients to take account of people living near outbreaks.
"If there is an outbreak somewhere, we will administer Tamiflu to people who are in proximity to the patients in order to contain the disease," a health ministry official said.
"We can never know when an outbreak may occur," he added.
