The Unsolved Problem, Medical Interpretation in Japan

Abstract

 There are about 2 million foreigners living in Japan, a country known by its outstanding health indicators. However, when it comes to foreign residents, differences in access to health care arise. It is known that the language barrier plays an important role in preventing and delaying access to care. The purpose of this communication is to bring to discussion some selected cases that stand the need for medical interpretation policies that ensure foreign residents their right to access health care with equity and medical interpreters the sufficient conditions to perform their roles.