Kokusai Hoken Iryo (Journal of International Health)
Online ISSN : 2436-7559
Print ISSN : 0917-6543
Feature Articles
Medical Care for Non-Japanese Residents of Japan:Let's Look at Japanese Society's General “Bedside Manner” First
ARUDOU Debito
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS

2008 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 19-21

Details
Abstract

 Before we talk about adequate medical care for non-Japanese, we must consider just how adequate and accepting the system itself is to guarantee it. Japan still has difficulty seeing non-Japanese as residents, immigrants, and taxpayers, and even the highest levels of government operates under the assumption that “foreigners will come here, make money working for our industries, and then just leave”. It is not that long ago when government agencies were saying that “non- Japanese don't qualify for Kokumin Kenkou Hoken--they aren't Kokumin”, or citizens. I have also heard of doctors refusing to treat non-Japanese because they thought it would be too much of a nuisance, and mental health institutions telling non-Japanese to go back to their own countries for treatment. Of course, I generally hear about good treatment in Japan as well, but there is room for improvement. The biggest step is to pass a law and draw up rules stating that all patients, regardless of nationality or national origin, are guaranteed medical treatment. I will talk about some of the obstacles in Japan to acceptance of non-Japanese residents from the standpoint of a naturalized Japanese citizen.

Content from these authors
© 2008 by JAPAN ASSOCIATION FOR INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top