Japan may soon be one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world. People behind the medical and health care industry are very committed towards the growth of medical tourism in the country also known as "Land of the Rising Sun".
Steps taken by Japan Government to promote medical tourism
Japan is already a top tourist’s destination and given the fact the country offers great quality medical care facilities. In the recent past Japan has received majority of medical tourists from Asia and this is the main reason the Japanese government is taking some positive steps to promote the medical tourism in Japan and attract tourists for medical treatment in Japan. Heavy inflow of medical tourists in other Asian countries like India, Thailand, and Singapore etc is also the main reason that Japan Government is serious about promoting medical tourism in the country.
Steps taken by Japan Government to promote medical tourism
Japanese government has already taken some steps that are need to attract people t chose Japan while considering health care r medical treatment abroad. Here are some main steps taken:
- Flexible Visa rules for medical tourists: Time of medical travelers visa has been extended double the normal traveler visa i.e. anyone visiting the country for medical purpose can stay in the country for six month to get treatment
- Certification & Accreditation of hospitals and clinics: This is a clever and planned step I’d say. Since quality of medical care and hygiene is the main concern among the patients. If hospitals and clinics are certified by the government or a certifying body that would gain the confidence f medical tourists.
- Online Marketing: Launching of website and promotion over search engines and social networks is being done heavily.
- Medical Tourism Packages: Packages always help; various medical packages have been developed to attract people for treatment in Japan.
- Promote English Language
- Availability of Translators at hospital
- Provide accommodation in hospital with non-Japanese & vegetarian food etc.
- Target 2020: Japan has set the target to be the number one medical tourism destination by the year 2020 with more than 400,000
- Limit raised for medical schools: Previously only a few students can get themselves enrolled for medical education in Japan, this limit has been raised recently keep in view the medical tourism 2020 target, Japan government has set up.
What Japan has to offer as a medical tourism destination?
It’s hard for Japan to compete on price with other Asian countries like India, Thailand etc. However Japan has got some edge in medical technology that the country can consider a major plus point to attract patients. Here are some unique things Japan offers to its medical tourists:
- Japan is world’s cancer specialists: Doctors in Japan are highly skilled for treatment of various kinds of caners. Radiotherapy and regenerative medicine is considered to be the specialty of Japanese doctors.
- Some high tech medical services are not available in developing nations. Japan can capitalize on this.
Hope medical tourism industry in Japan will meet the set targets and benefits not only Japan but people in developed nations like China, USA, Russia who find medical care very costly in the respective home nations.
