Hiroshima

1. Healthcare Services for Children in Hiroshima

Hiroshima provides high-quality healthcare services for children through a combination of public and private healthcare facilities. These services include general pediatric care, specialized care, and preventive health programs.

Key Facilities:

• Pediatric Clinics (小児科, Shōnika): These are specialized clinics for children, offering services such as routine check-ups, treatment for illnesses, and developmental assessments.
• General Hospitals: Larger hospitals like Hiroshima University Hospital and Hiroshima City Hospital have pediatric departments for more complex cases.
• Health Centers (保健センター, Hoken Sentā): These centers provide free or low-cost health services, including developmental check-ups and parenting support.

Services Offered:

• Routine health check-ups for infants and children.
• Treatment for common childhood illnesses.
• Developmental and behavioral assessments.
• Emergency care for children.
• Support for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Emergency Services:

• Emergency Pediatric Care: Hiroshima has a 24-hour emergency pediatric care system. Parents can call the emergency hotline (#8000) for advice or visit designated emergency hospitals.
• Ambulance Services: Dial 119 for emergencies requiring immediate medical attention.

---

2. Vaccination Programs

Japan has a national immunization program, and Hiroshima follows these guidelines strictly. Vaccinations are provided free of charge for children under the national program.

Key Vaccinations:

• Mandatory Vaccines (定期接種, Teiki Sesshu):
  • BCG (Tuberculosis)
  • DPT-IPV (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio)
  • MR (Measles and Rubella)
  • Japanese Encephalitis
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
  • Pneumococcal vaccine for children
  • Rotavirus (optional but highly recommended)
• Optional Vaccines (任意接種, Nin’i Sesshu):
  • Influenza
  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Mumps
  • HPV (for older children)

How to Access Vaccinations:

• Vaccinations are typically administered at local health centers or pediatric clinics.
• Parents receive a Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳, Boshi Kenkō Techō) upon registering a pregnancy. This handbook tracks the child’s vaccination schedule and health records.
• The city sends reminders for upcoming vaccinations.

Cultural Insight:

Japanese parents are highly diligent about vaccination schedules, and there is a strong emphasis on preventive care. It’s important to adhere to the schedule to ensure your child’s health and compliance with local norms.

---

3. Childcare Facilities

Hiroshima offers a variety of childcare options to support working parents and families.

Types of Childcare Facilities:

1. Nurseries (保育園, Hoikuen):
   • For children aged 0-5 years.
   • Public and private options are available.
   • Priority is given to working parents or those with special circumstances.
2. Kindergartens (幼稚園, Yōchien):
   • For children aged 3-5 years.
   • Focus on early education and socialization.
3. Certified Childcare Centers (認定こども園, Nintei Kodomoen):
   • Combine nursery and kindergarten services.
   • Offer flexible hours for working parents.

How to Apply:

• Applications for public childcare facilities are submitted through the local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho).
• Private facilities require direct applications.
• Documents needed include proof of residence, income statements, and work certificates.

Costs:

• Fees for public childcare are income-based and subsidized by the government.
• Private facilities may charge higher fees, but subsidies are available for eligible families.

Cultural Insight:

Japanese childcare facilities emphasize group activities, discipline, and fostering independence. Parents are expected to participate in school events and maintain close communication with teachers.

---

4. Accessing Healthcare for Children

Accessing healthcare in Hiroshima is straightforward, but it requires some familiarity with the local system.

Steps to Access Healthcare:

1. Health Insurance:
   • Enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) or an employer-provided health insurance plan.
   • Children are covered under their parents’ insurance.
2. Finding a Doctor:
   • Use the Hiroshima City website or local ward office resources to find pediatricians or clinics.
   • Many clinics require appointments, but some accept walk-ins.
3. Maternal and Child Health Handbook:
   • Always bring this handbook to medical appointments, as it contains essential health records.
4. Language Support:
   • Some hospitals and clinics offer interpretation services for non-Japanese speakers. The Hiroshima International Center can also assist with finding English-speaking doctors.

---

5. Costs of Healthcare

Healthcare in Japan is heavily subsidized, making it affordable for families.

Key Points:

• Insurance Coverage: National Health Insurance covers 70% of medical costs. For children, many municipalities, including Hiroshima, provide additional subsidies, reducing out-of-pocket expenses to almost zero for routine care.
• Free Medical Care for Children: Hiroshima City offers free or low-cost medical care for children up to junior high school age. Parents receive a Child Medical Subsidy Certificate (子ども医療費受給者証, Kodomo Iryōhi Jukyūsha-shō) to present at clinics and hospitals.
• Vaccinations: Most vaccinations under the national program are free.

---

6. Cultural Considerations and Tips

• Respect for Healthcare Professionals: Japanese culture places great respect on doctors and healthcare workers. Be polite and follow their instructions carefully.
• Punctuality: Always arrive on time for appointments. Being late is considered disrespectful.
• Cleanliness: Japanese clinics and hospitals are extremely clean, and parents are expected to maintain hygiene when visiting with children.
• Community Support: Hiroshima has a strong sense of community, and parents often form support networks through schools, childcare facilities, and local events.

---

7. Local Resources

• Hiroshima City Health Centers: Provide free health consultations, parenting classes, and developmental check-ups.
• Hiroshima International Center: Offers support for foreign residents, including healthcare navigation and language assistance.
• Hiroshima City Website: Contains detailed information on child health services, vaccination schedules, and childcare facilities.

---

Summary

Hiroshima is a family-friendly city with excellent healthcare and childcare services. By enrolling in the national health insurance system, keeping up with vaccination schedules, and utilizing local resources, you can ensure your child’s health and well-being. Familiarize yourself with the Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and don’t hesitate to reach out to local health centers or international support organizations for assistance.