Contribution of Para-transit Vehicles to Welfare Services

September 5, 2006 (Tokyo) - Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Chugai") [Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President Osamu Nagayama] announced today to donate "specially equipped para-transit vehicles" to five organizations providing social services to senior citizens and disabled people throughout Japan.

Chugai has continued this donation since it was started as a part of Chugai's 60th anniversary in 1985, and this year is the 22nd year. The total of such donated vehicles will be 163, including the five vehicles to be donated this year. Donation recipients have been selected in cooperation with Japan National Council of Social Welfare and Central Community Chest of Japan.

With an increasing number of senior citizens and the advancement of healthcare technology, the number of senior citizens and disabled people receiving nursing care at home has been increasing every year. For these people to lead self-reliant lives in relief in their hometowns, it is necessary to ensure a means of transportation between their homes and facilities providing in-home welfare services such as day care services. Chugai is supporting facilities and organizations which provide transportation service to enhance in-home welfare, through the donation of "specially equipped para-transit vehicles."

The vehicle donated by Chugai is a van with a front seat capacity of three passengers (including the driver) and a rear seat capacity of up to three wheelchair passengers. The vehicle donated this year is a type which allows loading of a stretcher with platform trucks instead of a wheelchair. This facilitates loading and unloading of wheelchair passengers by the lift. In addition, the vehicle has two fixed seats and two two-seater foldable seats for caregivers' use.

Chugai is committed to actively promoting social action programs in the fields of "healthcare" and "welfare" through these activities, as well as providing innovative pharmaceuticals as a business related to life.

Organizations Receiving Para-Transit Vehicle Donations in 2006