According to the official data of the World Health Organization, Japan occupies one of the first places in terms of the quality of medical services. Of course, the main factor confirming such a positive characteristic is the highest rate in the world in terms of life expectancy. According to statistics, the average life expectancy for men is 79 years, for women this figure is even higher – 86 years. Undoubted confirmation of the high efficiency of the healthcare system is the lowest infant mortality in the world, as well as the largest number of inpatient beds per capita in the country’s hospitals.

About the reasons for high-quality medicine
In Japan, great attention is paid to the continuous improvement of medicine. First of all, this is reflected in investments – in Japan today, healthcare spending is 8.1% of GDP. The lion’s share of expenses is occupied by investments in modern technical equipment – there are no multi-volume paper manuscripts in the country, patient care is based on the latest advances in technology and computer technology, which makes the medical services provided not only of high quality, but also effective.

In addition to the active introduction of modern technologies in the medical institutions of the country, Japanese medicine is known for its doctors, who perform all functions with high quality. The latest medical preparations are used for treatment in all medical institutions of the country.
It is also worth noting that most of the modern technologies used in treatment in Japan are considered commonplace, while in most European countries these are expensive and often inaccessible procedures. In Japanese clinics, prices can be compared with European ones, while the quality of medical services provided is an order of magnitude higher. The most developed industries in Japan are: reproductive medicine, neurosurgery, cardiology, and aesthetic medicine.
Of course, a fundamental factor in maintaining a high standard of living in Japan is the availability of medical services. In Japan, a public health system has been created, which is based on obtaining the necessary qualified assistance, regardless of income. Covered by compulsory health insurance the vast majority of the population, and health insurance covers the bulk of the cost of treatment – up to 70%.

The basis of the policy of the Japanese health care system is competition between medical institutions, forcing them to actively improve the level of services provided and achieved through the principles of patient freedom in choosing a doctor and medical institution.
About 80% of the country’s clinics are private. However, for the citizens of Japan, this does not play any role, since all tariffs for medical services are set by the state, and therefore the patient does not feel the difference when contacting a public or private clinic. There is no shortage of medical institutions in Japan in any corner of the country – there are a huge number of them, from small clinics to large comprehensive treatment centers.
The main and rather serious problem of the Japanese healthcare system is the aging population, the percentage of which is increasing from year to year. This is due not only to an increase in average life expectancy, but also to a low birth rate. In addition to the fact that due to the successful development of Japanese health care over the past decades, mortality due to infectious diseases and child mortality has sharply decreased, there has been an increase in living standards and a significant change in the physical performance of the Japanese, there is an increasing number of elderly citizens who require not only outpatient, but also long-term care. hospital treatment. Today, there is one pensioner for every three working people in Japan, but according to preliminary estimates, by 2020 this ratio may be equal.

Additional information for foreign citizens
Everyone who lives in Japan is required to register with the national health insurance system. For foreign nationals holding a visa valid for at least one year or a certificate proving their intention to stay in Japan for a long period of stay, who do not have health insurance coverage at their place of work, there is a nationwide insurance program administered by local governments.