A physician and a healthcare management expert discuss the crisis facing Japan's healthcare frontline and its future in an interview format. The focus is on issues and prospects including hospitals continuing to operate at a loss, the relationship between physicians' motivation and compensation, and the use of AI.
The current situation in which more than 70% of hospitals in Japan continue to operate at a loss, together with a government estimate that medical and long-term care benefit costs could reach as much as ¥94 trillion by 2040, highlights structural challenges facing the healthcare sector.
The discussion features obstetrician and gynecologist Takao Miho (高尾 美穂) and EUCALIA Inc.'s Misawa Hideo (三沢 英生). They share the view that physicians' loss of pride and lack of management commitment are affecting the frontline, while discussing the potential for reform through the integration of management and healthcare.
The participants discuss insufficient education in health economics, imbalances in the evaluation and compensation of frontline staff, and the need to improve working conditions. They also consider reviewing diagnosis and operations through the use of AI and data.
Specific initiatives are introduced to address women's health issues and work-style reform, promote preconception care, and achieve integrated community care. A vision for the future of healthcare is presented from the perspective of keeping society running on a foundation of health.