Health problems in Japan and some useful lessons for developing countries.

Abstract

The health picture in Japan has changed drastically in a period of about 2 decades. It has risen from the ravages of the 2nd World War to a status comparable to that of Sweden or of the U.S. There are about 50 important laws guiding national health activities in Japan. Community health programs have been carried out by a network of about 1000 health centers, each serving 1000-600,000 inhabitants, in matters of health education, nutrition, sanitation, nursing, venereal diseases, maternal-infant care, and all aspects of social and medical work. Hospitals and clinics are 93% privately owned and managed; but expenses for medical treatment are paid through a mandatory insurance system. The activities of health centers are now being expanded to cope with the changing picture of diseases and of new problems, such as pollution and mental disease. The positive Japanese experience could be very relevant to many developing countries, with the help of appropriate modifications.