Japan has an admirable healthcare system that does not impose on the pockets of patients. It already has the lowest infant mortality rate and contained medical costs which are both strong health indicators of a successful healthcare system (Gleysteen, NYU). Japan’s experience has been accepted by America. A well-implemented preventive program along with a government investment paved the way to a healthcare system leadership for Japan. Informing the public about long-term productive benefits and costs of preventing and postponing disability constitute one of medicine’s biggest challenges (Fahs, NYU). Health behavior of socio-cultural patterns, disease, economic productivity needs to be understood internationally. Increasing communication and partnerships in research would contribute to evidence-based innovative changes through global experience.
Universal coverage is a major advantage. Patients have a free choice of providers. The financing involves a multi-payer employment-based one. Private hospitals and fee-for-service systems also participated. Health insurance premiums are based on the ability to pay (Fahs, NYU). People are covered whether they are ill or have the risk of succumbing to illness. Delivery of care is left in the hands of medical professionals. Life expectancy at birth for males is 72.9 years and 81.9 years for females, the highest in the world. Infant mortality is the lowest. Societal values and traditions of egalitarianism form the base of the healthcare system. Healthcare resources show the rate of 15.8 hospital beds for 1000 patients which happens to be the highest among the OECD countries (Fahs, NYU). However the number of physicians is only 1.6 per 1000 population which is the fifth-lowest in the OECD countries but the number of physician contacts is more. The length of physician visits is 6.9 minutes only and staff also are minimal. Surgeries are limited.; Caesarian sections come to only half of their frequency in America. Japan is not backward in the latest technology; it has the highest number of CT scanners and extra-corporeal lithotripters per capita (Fahs, NYU). The highest number of end-stage renal disease is treated in Japan. Japan also uses the most drugs as a part of total health expenditures. Non invasive procedures are preferred by Japanese doctors. Hospital admissions are least; ambulant care is preferred. However the lengths of stay are greater.
The Japanese medical insurance system has national medical insurance (for the self-employed) or social insurance (for employees) and thereby covers all Japanese citizens comprehensively. Beneficiaries may have to pay co-payments based on income (Nomura and Nakayama, 2005). Mixed private and insurance payments are not allowed. All beneficiaries are allowed access.
References:
Nomura, H. & Nakayama, T. (2005). The Japanese healthcare system. BMJ 2005;331:648-649.
Fahs, M.C. (1993). Japanese Healthcare system. Web.
Gleysteen, W.H. (1993). Japanese Healthcare system. Web.