Japan’s healthcare system has consistently ranked among the top globally for many years. This success is worth emulating by other countries. In this article, we will explore the key reasons behind Japan’s healthcare excellence, focusing on its universal health insurance, quality of service, separation of medical and pharmaceutical services, and response to aging and declining birth rates.
Japan’s healthcare system
1. Universal health insurance and high-cost medical expense protection
A severe illness can deplete a family’s savings, leaving them in financial distress. Japan has addressed this concern by implementing universal health insurance and high-cost medical expense protection. This ensures that everyone, regardless of the severity of their illness, can afford medical treatment and medication.
In many Japanese hospitals, you can observe the excellence of the Japanese healthcare system, whether in terms of advanced equipment, medical techniques, services, or healthcare capabilities. The healthcare services are provided by private entities, with the government bearing the cost. This guarantees efficiency and resolves the issues of expensive and difficult access to medical care.
2. Renowned service attitude
Japan’s healthcare industry is known for its respectful attitude. Patients are treated with utmost courtesy and patience, whether by a doctor or a nurse. The staff provides detailed explanations about the patient’s condition, ensuring a high level of service. In Japan, ordinary hospital rooms are free of charge! Only luxury rooms incur service charges.
3. Separation of medical and pharmaceutical services
Japan implements a policy of complete separation between medical and pharmaceutical services. This means that hospitals in Japan do not have pharmacies. After doctors prescribe medication, patients take the prescription to an independent pharmacy to get their medication. This system eliminates conflicts of interest, such as doctors prescribing expensive drugs for personal gain.
4. Aging and declining birth rates
With Japan’s rapidly aging population, there is a direct impact on the shortage of doctors and nursing staff. In response, Japan has taken timely measures. Every year, health centers nationwide send out regular notices to residents about disease prevention and medical check-ups, reminding them to check their health and prevent related diseases regularly.
Furthermore, with the severe phenomenon of declining birth rates, children’s medical care is gradually moving towards free services. Depending on their financial situation, most local governments in Japan have established subsidy systems for children’s medical expenses.
5. Top global rankings in healthcare
In recent years, Japan has ranked first globally in the survival rate of three major adult diseases — cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, in the World Health Organization’s global healthcare level comparison. This ranking is far higher than in other developed countries.
Final words
From the quality of medical care and government guarantees, there is no doubt that Japan’s healthcare is of the highest global standard. However, the most frightening aspect is that even with money, there is no guarantee of a cure or a hospital bed. As the saying goes: “Prevention is better than a cure.” Today’s unwillingness to spend money on prevention could lead to more money on treatment in the future. Therefore, Japan’s healthcare system is worth learning about from other countries.
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