Is Japan a Healthy Country?
Introduction
The purpose of this article is to explore the question of whether or not Japan is a healthy country, by examining its healthcare system, health outcomes and statistics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s health care system.
Japan’s Healthcare System Overview
Japan has an extensive healthcare system that provides universal coverage to its citizens. The system is funded through a combination of public and private sources, with the government providing 60% of total funding. The Japanese government also provides subsidies for medical expenses for those who are elderly or have low incomes. Additionally, there are over 70 private health insurance companies in Japan that provide coverage for employees at large companies and their families.
Japan’s Healthcare Expenditure
In 2018, Japan spent approximately 10.4% of its GDP on healthcare, which is lower than many other developed countries such as the United States (17%), France (11%), and Germany (11%). However, despite having lower spending levels than most other countries, Japan still has some of the highest life expectancy rates in the world – 84 years for women and 78 years for men. This suggests that although Japan spends less on healthcare than many other countries, it is still able to achieve relatively good health outcomes due to efficient use of resources.
Japan’s Health Outcomes and Statistics
Overall, Japan has very high levels of health outcomes compared to other countries. For example, infant mortality rates in Japan are among the lowest in the world – 2 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 5 in the United States – while life expectancy rates are some of the highest in the world – 84 years for women and 78 years for men compared to 78 years for women and 72 years for men in the United States. Additionally, according to World Health Organization statistics from 2017-2019, Japan has one of the lowest obesity rates in the world at 3%.
Challenges Facing The Japanese Healthcare System
Despite having high levels of health outcomes relative to other countries, there are still some challenges facing Japan’s healthcare system such as an aging population that is putting increased strain on resources due to higher demand for care; a lack of primary care physicians; rising costs due to increased demand; and long waiting times due to limited capacity. Additionally, there have been increasing calls for reform from both within and outside of government as well as increasing dissatisfaction with existing services from citizens.
The Impact Of COVID-19 On Japan’s Healthcare System
Like many other countries around the world, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Japan’s healthcare system with cases continuing to rise since March 2020 when it was first declared a pandemic by WHO. There have been increasing concerns about potential shortages in medical supplies such as masks and ventilators as well as increased strain on hospitals due to an influx of patients requiring treatment or testing. Additionally, there has been an increase in mental health issues due to social distancing measures being implemented across much of the country which has led to increased strain on mental health services provided by hospitals or clinics as well as online platforms such as telemedicine services.
Conclusion
Overall it can be concluded that although there are some challenges facing Japan’s healthcare system such as an aging population putting increased strain on resources due to higher demand for care; a lack of primary care physicians; rising costs due to increased demand; long waiting times due to limited capacity; and increasing dissatisfaction with existing services from citizens – overall it can be said that despite these challenges – Japan still remains one of the most healthy countries in terms of life expectancy rates and infant mortality rates compared with other developed nations around the world. Furthermore – despite having lower spending levels than most other countries – it is still able to achieve relatively good health outcomes due largely thanks to efficient use if its resources combined with effective public policies implemented by its government over time which have helped ensure universal access across all sectors including rural areas where access may otherwise be limited or non-existent without government intervention. Finally – while COVID-19 has had a significant impact on both physical and mental health services within Japan – it appears that so far these impacts have been manageable given how efficiently they have responded thus far which suggests that they will likely remain one fo teh most healthy countries in teh future too despite any further potential challenges they may face along teh way moving forward into 2021 ad beyond..
References:
1) https://www2.deloitte.com/jp/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/japanese-healthcare-system-overview-.html
2) https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Health_Global_Competitiveness_Report_2020_Summary_Report_ENGLISH__1_.pdf
3) https://www2censusgovtnz/sites/default/files/2020-07/OECD%20Health%20Statistics%202019pdf
4) https://wwwjapantimescojp/opinion/2020/05/27/commentary/-japanese-healthcare-system/#:~:text=Japan’s%20universal%20healthcare%20system%20is%,in%20the%20world.-&text=However%2C%20the%20government’s%60share%,of%2010percentto13percent.-&text=Risingmedicalcostsandagingpopulationhaveputincreasedstrainonresourcesandlongwaitingtimesarenotuncommon.-&text=Additionallytherehavebeenincreasingcallforreformfrombothwithinandoutsideofgovernmentaswellasincreasingdissatisfactionwithexistingservicesfromcitizens.-&text=COVID 19hasalsoputanaddedstrainonhospitalfacilitiesacrossthecountryastheinfluxofpatientsseekingtreatmentortestinghasledtoshortagesinmedicalsup
Why Japan is healthiest country?
It may also play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease as their diet is traditionally high in soy and fish. The Japanese have the lowest size and highest life expectancy among men and women.
Are Japanese healthiest in the world?
Basically the Japanese diet is low in calories and rich in nutrients making Japan one of the healthiest and longest living countries in the world. In fact the Japanese have long been respected and studied for living longer than anywhere else in the world.
Is Japan a healthy place to live?
Japans median age is 84 the third-highest after San Marino and Hong Kong. In Japan many people live past the age of 100. The worlds oldest female Japanese Yoshiko Tanaka turns 18 this year.
Who is the healthiest country in the world?
Italy is the healthiest country in the world according to the ranking of CEOWORLD magazine which uses data from the World Bank Study of the United Nations Population Division and the World Health Organization with Singapore in second place.
Why is obesity rare in Japan?
Japans success in avoiding the obesity problem facing much of the Western world depends on three key factors: a cradle-to-grave appreciation of good food a lifestyle that encourages regular exercise and a paternalistic attitude.
Why is life expectancy in Japan so high?
Japanese life expectancy This low mortality is mainly attributable to a low rate of obesity, low consumption of red meat, and high consumption of fish and plant foods such as soybeans and tea. In Japan, the obesity rate is low (4.8 percent for men and 3.7 percent for women).Mar 9, 2021
