Health and Medical Care Aspects of Population Problems in Japan

Abstract

In order to estimate future trend of needs and demands for health and medical care, it is necessary to predict both population age structure and morbidity rates by age classes. According to Patient Survey conducted by Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Japanese Government, use of medical care increased remarkably in Japan in the earlier half of 1970's particularly among the aged. A similar trend was also shown in morbidity prevalence rate by National Health Survey. Man's total environment including facilities of health and medical care services should be understood through the concept of habitat which is peculiar to ecology. In this respect, it is indicated that man's habitat differs widely from those of other organisms and has gone through tremendous changes. The habitat of modern man meets various requirements and satisfies needs. The man-made part of man's environment is, however, now too highly developed and the increase of expedience has become a handicap. Modern man's habitat should be such environment that protect human survival from various types of risk, whether they come from nature or from man himself.