Elsevier provides free access to reference tools in Japan

Elsevier is to support medical initiatives in earthquake-stricken Japan by providing those in the nation with free access to its primary online clinical reference tools.

During April 2011, all internet protocol addresses in Japan will be able to access the web-based MD Consult and First Consult databases free of charge, allowing users to benefit from a range of evidence-based medical information and research.

Medical professionals will be able to access MD Consult via mobile devices, while First Connect is also available as an iOS application for areas that currently do not have internet connectivity.

Elsevier has also added a recommended resource topic page for radiation sickness to the MD Consult site, which will be relevant to those affected by the nuclear incident in Fukushima that followed the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th 2011.

The publisher said: "This effort is part of a new initiative to provide easily accessible focused resources in response to world events that present difficult medical challenges."

Earlier this month, the company announced the appointment of Ron Mobed as the new chief executive officer of its science and technology business unit.