Ethan Rhodes
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is home to a staggering 650 hospitals, the largest number in the country. The city's healthcare system is complex and multifaceted, with a mix of large hospitals, small community hospitals, and clinics. This abundance of medical facilities serves the local population and expats, with some hospitals even offering consultation services in foreign languages. The ambulance service is an integral part of the system, providing free transportation to hospitals for those in need. However, the misuse of ambulances for minor issues has been a concern, causing delays for critical emergencies. Tokyo's healthcare landscape also includes the involvement of foreign doctors treating patients of various nationalities and the availability of multilingual medical tools to assist foreigners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals in Tokyo | 650 |
| Number of hospitals in Japan | 8,372 (as of October 2018) |
| Ambulance services | Free of cost |
| English-speaking hospitals | Available in areas with a higher concentration of foreigners |
| Average number of doctor visits per patient per year | 13 |
| Number of practicing physicians per 1,000 people | 2.2 |
| Number of practicing nurses per 1,000 people | 9.5 |
| Acute care beds per 1,000 total population | 8.1 (as of 2008) |
| MRI scanners | Four times more than the average European provision |
| CT scanners | Six times the average European provision |
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What You'll Learn
- There were around 650 hospitals in Tokyo as of October 2018
- Foreigners and expats can find English-speaking doctors and hospitals using online guides and tools
- Areas with a higher concentration of foreigners have more English-speaking hospitals and clinics
- Ambulance services are free in Japan, but there is a problem with misuse, causing delays for serious emergencies
- Foreign doctors can treat foreign patients of any nationality in the Tokyo Area National Strategic Special Zone
There were around 650 hospitals in Tokyo as of October 2018
As of October 2018, there were around 650 hospitals in Tokyo, making it the city with the highest number of hospitals in Japan. This number accounts for about 8% of the country's total hospitals.
Tokyo's high concentration of hospitals may be due to several factors. Firstly, the city has a large population, including many foreigners, which likely increases the demand for medical services. To cater to this diverse population, some areas in Tokyo with higher concentrations of foreigners have more English-speaking hospitals and clinics. Additionally, the ambulance services in Tokyo are free of charge, making it more accessible for residents to utilise these services to reach hospitals.
The healthcare system in Japan has certain unique characteristics. For instance, physicians and nurses are licensed for life, with no requirements for license renewal or continuing education. While there is no system of general practitioners, patients can directly access specialists, who often work in clinics. Japan also has a high number of acute care beds per 1000 total population compared to other OECD countries, and patients tend to visit doctors more frequently.
However, the Japanese healthcare system also faces some challenges. There have been concerns about the misuse of ambulance services, with people utilising ambulances for minor issues. This leads to delays in responding to serious emergencies. Additionally, there is a reported shortage of medical resources in some regions, and instances of emergency patients being rejected by multiple hospitals before receiving treatment. These issues highlight the need for ongoing improvements and efficient resource allocation within the healthcare system.
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Foreigners and expats can find English-speaking doctors and hospitals using online guides and tools
Finding English-speaking doctors and hospitals in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to a high-quality healthcare system, but the language barrier can limit access for foreigners and expats who don't speak Japanese fluently. However, there are several English-speaking doctors and hospitals in the city, and online guides and tools can help locate them.
Online Guides and Tools
EJable, for instance, provides an online guide with tips on finding English-speaking medical support in Tokyo. It also offers advice on what to do in a medical emergency, such as checking if you are eligible for an ambulance and going to the hospital by one. Additionally, the website of the Tokyo Fire Department has an English online tool that helps determine whether you should call an ambulance.
English-speaking Hospitals and Clinics
The central Tokyo area has several English-speaking medical institutions that cater to non-Japanese-speaking residents. These include both international clinics and hospitals. Sendagaya International Clinic in Shibuya offers healthcare services for travellers with trained English-speaking staff. The Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic (TMSC) is another option, with doctors trained in Europe and the US and language support in English, Spanish, German, and French.
Appointment System
Most hospitals and clinics in Japan require prior appointments except for serious emergencies. It is advisable to contact the medical facility in advance to confirm whether an appointment is necessary. Additionally, small clinics outside the downtown area may only accept cash payments.
Understanding the Healthcare System
It is beneficial to have a basic understanding of the Japanese medical system, including the fees involved. The initial consultation fee is charged for the first visit, and a referral letter from a doctor is required for intensive treatment at a larger hospital. This letter typically incurs an additional fee.
Other Considerations
When visiting a clinic or hospital in Tokyo, wearing a mask is important. It is also recommended to bring photo ID and any relevant medical documents, including Japanese National Health Insurance cards if applicable. Additionally, areas in Tokyo with a higher concentration of foreigners tend to have more English-speaking hospitals and clinics.
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Areas with a higher concentration of foreigners have more English-speaking hospitals and clinics
As of 2018, there were 650 hospitals in Tokyo, the highest number of hospitals in all of Japan. However, very few of these hospitals offer English support. This is a concern, especially given that nearly 50% of ambulance rides in 2014 were for minor conditions, causing delays for serious emergencies.
In areas with a higher concentration of foreigners, there are more English-speaking hospitals and clinics to support non-Japanese speakers. The Roppongi area, for example, is known for having many expats, embassies, and foreigners, and thus has a higher number of English-speaking medical facilities. The Roppongi Hills Clinic, located in the iconic Roppongi Hills Mori Tower building, supports English-speaking patients with the help of bilingual interpreters. The American Clinic Tokyo, established in 1954, is another example of a clinic that serves English-speaking international patients.
When looking for English-speaking hospitals and clinics in Tokyo, it is recommended to have a list of nearby options that can support English and other foreign languages. It is also important to note that most hospitals and clinics in Japan require prior appointments unless it is a serious emergency. In such cases, calling an ambulance is the best way to proceed, as they will have access to hospitals with the necessary resources, including language support.
While English support may be available, it is always a good idea to speak slowly and clearly when communicating with doctors and medical staff. Additionally, bringing a family member or friend who speaks Japanese to appointments can be helpful. For those seeking English-speaking medical care in Tokyo, considering areas with a higher concentration of foreigners may increase the likelihood of finding hospitals and clinics with English language support.
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Ambulance services are free in Japan, but there is a problem with misuse, causing delays for serious emergencies
Ambulance services in Japan are entirely funded by the public, meaning that patients do not have to pay for transportation. However, this has led to the misuse of ambulance services, causing delays for serious emergencies.
In 2015, the Japanese government re-examined this policy, citing that about half of the patients being transported in emergency vehicles did not have serious illnesses requiring hospitalisation. Indeed, only 9% of patients had life-threatening conditions. This misuse of ambulances has resulted in a shortage of medical resources in some regions. In 2014, nearly 50% of ambulance rides were for minor issues, where citizens could have opted for alternative means of transportation.
The issue of ambulance misuse is particularly prominent in Tokyo, which has the largest number of hospitals in Japan, with 650. The city's high concentration of foreigners has led to a greater demand for English-speaking hospitals and clinics. While English support is available, it is recommended that patients speak slowly and clearly. Additionally, the Tokyo Fire Department offers a 24/7 telephone advice line, #7119, to help individuals determine the appropriate course of action for their medical concerns.
To address the misuse of ambulances, individuals should assess the severity of their condition before calling for an ambulance. For non-serious emergencies, it is advisable to contact the Telephone Consultation Service or seek assistance from nearby clinics or hospitals. By utilising these alternative options, individuals can play a crucial role in ensuring that ambulances remain readily available for critical, life-threatening situations.
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Foreign doctors can treat foreign patients of any nationality in the Tokyo Area National Strategic Special Zone
As of October 2018, there were 650 hospitals in Tokyo, the largest number of hospitals in Japan. The Japanese healthcare system has been subject to criticism for its misuse of ambulance services, low staffing per bed, and lack of transparency when medical errors occur. In 2015, Japan introduced a law requiring hospitals to review patient care for unexpected deaths and provide reports to the next of kin and a third-party organisation. However, patients and their families cannot request these reviews.
To address these issues and boost the international competitiveness of the healthcare industry, the Japanese government designated National Strategic Special Zones in Tokyo Metropolis, Kanagawa Prefecture, Chiba City, and Narita City in Chiba Prefecture. These Special Zones aim to attract international businesses and capital by creating a business-friendly environment and promoting regulatory reforms.
One such reform allows foreign doctors to treat foreign patients of any nationality in the Tokyo Area National Strategic Special Zone. Previously, under bilateral agreements, foreign doctors could only treat patients from their own country. This restriction has been lifted to meet the needs of the growing number of foreign patients in the area. St. Luke's International Hospital and St. Luke's MediLocus were among the first to employ foreign doctors under these new provisions, with Keio University Hospital also planning to offer treatment to foreign patients.
These provisions also enable prompt assessment of pharmaceuticals approved by countries with high medical standards but not yet approved in Japan. This allows foreign patients to access advanced medical treatments under the Specified Mixed Medical Care Coverage System. Additionally, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government provides resources to help foreigners and expats find English-speaking doctors and facilities in the city. Areas with a higher concentration of foreigners tend to have more English-speaking hospitals and clinics.
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Frequently asked questions
As of October 2018, there were 650 hospitals in Tokyo, the largest number of hospitals in all of Japan.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center provides information about medical institutions with staff who can speak foreign languages, including English. They also offer an interpreting service in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Spanish.
In the case of a medical emergency, calling an ambulance is the best way to get to a hospital in Tokyo. The ambulance will call various hospitals and select the best option.
