One of the areas of concern was overcoming the stagnation in the Medical Operations Division's handling of demand from physicians and other medical customers. This division was launched in 1966, with its origins in the Yokohama Store of the Tokyo Business Operations Division (present-day Tokyo Wholesale Operation Division).

A former hospital director later joined the company to round out the staff and established new offices in Tokyo, Atsugi, Chiba, and other locations. Expansion measures were implemented, but with little effect on the profit base, and the division found itself in difficulties.

The company's internal organization was also starting to shake. For starters, the Medical Operations Division had been organized in the Kanto region only, with three offices in Atsugi, Yokohama, and Tokyo in 1970. However, there were only 23 people including executives assigned to the Yokohama Office, and no employees at Atsugi or Tokyo.

In 1971, seven people were posted to the Tokyo Office, for a total of 30 employees together with Yokohama, but in 1973 the Atsugi and Tokyo Offices were shut down, leaving only Yokohama office.

Furthermore, although the Tokyo Office was organizationally revived in 1976 in addition to the Yokohama office, there was no assigned staff. In 1978, the Yokohama Office was split into the Kohoku and Konan Offices, and in 1982. The Tokyo Office was once again revived with four persons assigned. Following this, in 1983, the division grew by 46 persons, and in January 1987 everything was merged into the Medical Operations Yokohama Office.

Sales steadily increased from the 1971 level of 450 million yen, exceeding 1 billion yen in 1980 and 2 billion yen in 1982.

The market for medical products has grown rapidly since the full implementation of National Health Insurance in 1961. However, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical was late entering this market and has been lagging on a company-wide scale. In addition, the management of this division has changed frequently, with the situation finally settling down and solidifying circa 1980.

In 1981, the division found itself faced with some positive developments, including a transfer of goodwill from the Sugimoto Shinwa Tokyo Office. While not easy to acquire a fixed share of such a severely competitive field, Kobayashi gradually gained strength and continues to win ground in this strongly defended market. And we are exploring all avenues for survival by paying close attention to product development and sales of not only medical supplies, but in other medical fields as well.

The medical market is changing minute-by-minute. Kobayashi has discerned these changes and is finding opportunities for development.