National Nov 24, 2021
Japan hospitals slide deeper into red amid virus crisis: survey
A ministry official offered the view that the result came as people refrained from visiting medical institutions and the number of surgeries dropped.
National Nov 9, 2021
Japan medical costs rise to record ¥44 trillion in fiscal year 2019
The country's medical costs exceeded ¥40 trillion for the seventh consecutive year, reflecting the aging of its population and advances in medical technologies.
National / Science & Health Oct 11, 2021
Experts have expressed concerns that flu viruses may spread globally if international travel resumes and that a sixth wave of COVID-19 and a flu outbreak may occur at the same time.
National | Regional Voices: Tohoku Jun 21, 2021
Income cap hinders nurses’ role in administering COVID-19 vaccines in Japan
Normally, if a spouse's income rises above ¥1.3 million a year, they lose access to their partner's pension and health care benefits, which has put some people off extra hours.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Jun 12, 2021
Nursing services in Japan juggling financial solvency and users' well-being
by Philip Brasor
Should the government be turning to the private sector to provide care for the country's aging population?
National / Social Issues | Longform Apr 10, 2021
The changing face of medical care for Japan's older residents amid COVID-19
by Alex K.T. Martin
The prolonged state of social isolation amid the ongoing pandemic is deteriorating the mental and physical health of Japan's seniors.
National | Regional Voices: Kyushu Mar 26, 2021
Despite push, integration of My Number and health cards off to slow start
The rate of uptake for the cards is low at around 25% and, due to the pandemic, many health care providers are not in a rush to install the required systems.
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Dec 26, 2020
Should older people pay a larger share of their health care costs?
by Philip Brasor
The government has approved a proposal that would require those aged over 74 to pay 20% of health care costs out of pocket, thus doubling the portion they currently pay.
National Nov 23, 2020
Japan aims to remove income cap on subsidies for fertility treatment
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Monday the government aims to abolish the cap on income to make it easier for all couples to receive subsidies for fertility treatment as Japan faces a declining birth rate. Suga's remark came in response to calls that, in order ...
National / Social Issues Oct 18, 2020
Suga's fertility push hailed, but not panacea for boosting birth rate
by Maya Kaneko
Couples welcome moves to bring treatment under national insurance, but urge against putting pressure on people to bear children.
National / Science & Health May 13, 2020
Japan's health insurance to cover ¥167 million gene therapy drug
Considered the world's most expensive medicine, relatively few cases are expected to require the one-time dosage of drug to treat spinal muscular atrophy.
National Feb 11, 2020
Japan's silence on HPV vaccinations will lead to 11,000 cancer deaths, study says
A decision by the government to stop recommending adolescent girls receive an HPV vaccination will likely result in almost 11,000 deaths from cervical cancer if it is not reversed, according to a study in a prestigious medical journal. The HPV vaccine has been a political ...