Japan’s healthcare system is significantly impressive for many. However, it’s also not surprising that it is also facing challenges despite its successes. Japan’s healthcare system has benefited the country’s citizens and even non-citizens, but many believe that there is still room to improve it to provide better service to its beneficiaries.
4 Cons of Japan’s Healthcare System
Japan’s Healthcare is available to all citizens and non-Japanese citizens staying in Japan for more than a year. Students can take advantage of it, even self-employed and unemployed citizens. While this system brings many positive things, this article will enumerate 4 cons of Japan’s Healthcare System.
Everyone Pays Taxes
When you’re an employee, you’ll automatically get healthcare insurance as a benefit from the company. Thus, the company will cover your full responsibility for payment. However, you must pay the additional 30% for chargeable services outside the package. For unemployed and self-employed citizens, they must enroll as well through the assigned government office. Thus, they are responsible for paying their allocated tax amount depending on how much they earn.
Language Barrier in Healthcare
As you know, the number of non-Japanese citizens is increasing in Japan due to the country’s opportunities for foreign workers. Foreign workers find it hard to seek health care in Japan due to the language barrier. Thus, if they cannot speak Japanese and need to see a doctor, they are encouraged to bring their interpreter or translator to an appointment.
No Concept of “Family Doctors”
Healthcare providers in Japan offer excellent care and service. Clinics that are publicly or privately owned provide the same level of service. Hospitals and clinics in the country must be a non-profit organization and should be run by doctors. Since there are few medical professionals in Japan, it’s unlikely to get a family doctor. So, if you seek health care, there is still a need for the doctor to review your medical records, which takes time and can be frustrating for patients.
People Pay For The Medical Care of Others
Everyone is basically paying taxes into the healthcare system in Japan. Thus, you can only avail of this benefit if you need medical assistance for some reason. On the other hand, if you’re generally a healthy person, then you are somehow funding the cost of those who need health care more than you do. According to a study, the sickest 5% of any population uses up 50% of a country’s total healthcare cost, but the healthiest uses 3% of those costs.
Conclusion
Though this system has its disadvantages, it undoubtedly helped many citizens in Japan. The country’s government is looking into many doors that will improve Japan’s healthcare system and will benefit the citizens in the long run.
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BY LA