2 Health Medical Care System in Japan Second Edition

Summary

Japan's health and medical care system is built on a collaborative network between national, prefectural, and municipal governments. At the national level, the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare establishes policies, while local governments implement them to ensure effective community health services. The system emphasizes preventive care through public health centers and municipal health services, while medical institutions provide treatment. Universal health insurance covers a large portion of medical costs. The video illustrates these systems through the Tanaka family's healthcare experiences, showcasing the ease of accessing services, from consultations to prenatal care, ensuring comprehensive care for all residents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Japan has a well-established collaboration network in its health and medical care systems, contributing to high standards in healthcare.
• 😀 The Japanese healthcare system consists of three levels: national, prefectural, and municipal governments.
• 😀 Local governments (prefectures and municipalities) are responsible for planning and implementing health services in their communities.
• 😀 Public health centers and municipal health centers focus on preventive services like health promotion and checkups, while medical institutions provide medical care.
• 😀 The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is responsible for health policy at the national level.
• 😀 In Japan, health services are provided through hospitals, clinics, and maternity homes, which are controlled by local governments after receiving approval.
• 😀 People in Japan can choose their healthcare provider, whether public or private, for medical consultations.
• 😀 Health insurance in Japan covers 70% of medical costs, and the patient pays 30%. This applies to both consultations and prescribed medication.
• 😀 Pregnant women in Japan are advised to seek prenatal care at hospitals, clinics, or maternity homes, with the option to choose where to deliver.
• 😀 Public health centers in Japan manage various health programs, including infectious disease control, food hygiene, maternal and child health, and mental health.
• 😀 Municipal health centers collaborate with public health centers and other local governments to provide comprehensive health services, including health checkups, vaccinations, and preventive measures.

Q & A

What are the three levels of government in Japan's health and medical care system?

The three levels of government in Japan's health and medical care system are the national, prefectural, and municipal governments.

What is the role of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan?

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is responsible for creating policies and programs for health, medical, and welfare services at the national level.

How do local governments in Japan contribute to health services?

Local governments, such as prefectures and municipalities, implement national health policies and programs, providing preventive services like health promotion, health checkups, and vaccinations.

What are the main services offered by public health centers and municipal health centers in Japan?

Public health centers provide services related to disease control, health promotion, and maternal and child health, while municipal health centers focus on preventive health services, health checkups, and vaccinations.

Can individuals in Japan choose their healthcare providers?

Yes, individuals in Japan can choose to visit any clinic or hospital for medical consultations, including both public and private institutions.

How does health insurance work in Japan's medical system?

In Japan, everyone is required to have health insurance, and the system covers 70% of medical treatment costs. Patients are responsible for paying the remaining 30% of the fees.

What happens when a new medical institution is established in Japan?

When a new medical institution is opened, it requires permission from the head of the prefectural government or the mayor of a large city. Once approved, it is placed under local government control.

What kind of healthcare services are available to pregnant women in Japan?

Pregnant women in Japan receive prenatal care from hospitals, clinics, or maternity homes. They are also provided with a maternity package that includes a health handbook and medical vouchers for checkups.

How do public health centers assist pregnant women like Hanako in Japan?

Public health centers support pregnant women by providing prenatal health checkups, offering guidance on pregnancy, and ensuring access to necessary services through local municipalities and hospitals.

What services do public health nurses provide during pregnancy in Japan?

Public health nurses in Japan conduct home visits, provide advice on health and pregnancy, and ensure that expectant mothers receive the appropriate care and follow-up during their pregnancy.