Hiroshima

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Healthcare Services

Sections

1. Overview of Healthcare in Hiroshima

Japan has a world-class healthcare system, and Hiroshima is no exception. The city is home to a variety of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies that provide high-quality medical care. The healthcare system in Japan is based on universal health coverage, meaning that residents and long-term visitors are required to enroll in health insurance programs. For short-term visitors, private travel insurance is recommended.

2. Hospitals in Hiroshima

Hiroshima has several well-equipped hospitals, including general hospitals, university hospitals, and specialized medical centers. Many of these facilities are accustomed to treating foreigners, though English-speaking staff may not always be available.

Major Hospitals in Hiroshima

  1. Hiroshima University Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถๅคงๅญฆ็—…้™ข)

    • Specialties: Advanced medical care, research, and education.
    • Location: Minami-ku, Hiroshima City.
    • Language Support: Some English-speaking staff; interpretation services may be available.
    • Notes: This is a teaching hospital, so you may encounter medical students during your visit.

  2. Hiroshima Red Cross Hospital & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถ่ตคๅๅญ—ใƒปๅŽŸ็ˆ†็—…้™ข)

    • Specialties: General medicine, emergency care, and treatment for atomic bomb survivors.
    • Location: Naka-ku, Hiroshima City.
    • Language Support: Limited English-speaking staff; interpretation services may be arranged.
    • Notes: Known for its historical significance and excellent care.

  3. Hiroshima City Asa Citizens Hospital (ๅบƒๅณถๅธ‚็ซ‹ๅฎ‰ไฝๅธ‚ๆฐ‘็—…้™ข)

    • Specialties: General medicine and emergency care.
    • Location: Asakita-ku, Hiroshima City.
    • Language Support: Limited English-speaking staff.
    • Notes: A good option for general and emergency care.

Emergency Services

  • Dial 119 for an ambulance in case of a medical emergency. Ambulance services are free, but you will be charged for treatment at the hospital.
  • Be prepared to explain your symptoms in Japanese or have someone assist you, as emergency operators may not speak English.

3. Clinics in Hiroshima

Clinics (ใ‚ฏใƒชใƒ‹ใƒƒใ‚ฏ or ่จบ็™‚ๆ‰€) are smaller medical facilities that handle non-emergency and specialized care. They are often more accessible and less crowded than hospitals.

Types of Clinics

  • General Practitioners: For common illnesses like colds, flu, or minor injuries.
  • Specialized Clinics: For dermatology, gynecology, pediatrics, dentistry, etc.

Finding a Clinic

  • Use the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Medical Institution Search to find English-speaking clinics.
  • Many clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

Language Support

  • English-speaking doctors are more common in clinics near tourist areas or international communities.
  • If language is a barrier, consider using a medical interpretation service or a translation app.

4. Pharmacies in Hiroshima

Pharmacies (่–ฌๅฑ€, yakkyoku) are widely available and easy to access. They are divided into two main types:

  1. Prescription Pharmacies: Dispense medications prescribed by a doctor.
  2. Over-the-Counter Pharmacies: Sell non-prescription medications, health products, and basic medical supplies.

Popular Pharmacy Chains

  • Matsumoto Kiyoshi (ใƒžใƒ„ใƒขใƒˆใ‚ญใƒจใ‚ท): Offers a wide range of over-the-counter medications and health products.
  • Sugi Pharmacy (ใ‚นใ‚ฎ่–ฌๅฑ€): Known for its customer service and variety of products.

Tips for Using Pharmacies

  • Bring your prescription (ๅ‡ฆๆ–น็ฎ‹, shohousen) from a doctor to a prescription pharmacy.
  • If you need over-the-counter medication, describe your symptoms to the pharmacist. Basic Japanese phrases or a translation app can be helpful.

5. Costs of Healthcare in Hiroshima

Healthcare costs in Japan are relatively affordable compared to many other developed countries, especially if you are covered by insurance.

Without Insurance

  • Doctorโ€™s Visit: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 (depending on the clinic or hospital).
  • Specialist Consultation: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ20,000.
  • Emergency Room Visit: ยฅ20,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 (excluding treatment costs).
  • Medications: ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 (depending on the type and quantity).

With Insurance

  • If you are enrolled in Japanโ€™s National Health Insurance (NHI) or Employee Health Insurance (EHI), you will pay only 30% of the total cost for most treatments.
  • Some treatments, such as cosmetic procedures, are not covered by insurance.

6. Health Insurance in Hiroshima

National Health Insurance (NHI)

  • Available to residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months.
  • Covers 70% of medical costs.
  • Enrollment is mandatory for long-term residents and can be done at your local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho).

Employee Health Insurance (EHI)

  • Provided by employers to full-time employees.
  • Similar coverage to NHI but may include additional benefits.

Private Insurance

  • Recommended for short-term visitors or those who want additional coverage.
  • Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation and treatment in Japan.

7. Procedures for Seeking Medical Treatment

  1. Identify the Right Facility

    • For minor issues, visit a clinic.
    • For emergencies or complex issues, go to a hospital.

  2. Make an Appointment

    • Call ahead to book an appointment, especially for clinics.
    • Some hospitals accept walk-ins, but wait times may be long.

  3. Bring Necessary Documents

    • Passport or residence card.
    • Health insurance card (if applicable).
    • Cash or credit card for payment.

  4. At the Reception Desk

    • Fill out a registration form (available in Japanese; some facilities provide English versions).
    • Present your insurance card and identification.

  5. Consultation and Payment

    • After your consultation, pay at the cashier. If you have insurance, you will only pay 30% of the cost.

8. Cultural Considerations

  • Punctuality: Arrive on time for appointments. Being late is considered disrespectful.
  • Politeness: Japanese healthcare staff are very polite, and patients are expected to reciprocate.
  • Shoes: Some clinics and hospitals may require you to remove your shoes or wear indoor slippers.
  • Language Barrier: While some facilities have English-speaking staff, many do not. Carry a translation app or phrasebook to communicate effectively.
  • Privacy: Japanese culture values privacy, so medical discussions may be discreet.

9. Practical Tips

  • Emergency Translation Services: The JNTO operates a 24-hour hotline for medical assistance in English: 050-3816-2787.
  • Prepare Basic Japanese Phrases: Learn phrases like "I have a fever" (็†ฑใŒใ‚ใ‚Šใพใ™, netsu ga arimasu) or "I need a doctor" (ๅŒป่€…ใŒๅฟ…่ฆใงใ™, isha ga hitsuyou desu).
  • Carry Cash: Some smaller clinics and pharmacies may not accept credit cards.
  • Stay Updated on Vaccinations: Ensure your vaccinations are up to date, especially for long-term stays.

By understanding the healthcare system in Hiroshima and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smooth experience should you need medical assistance. Let me know if you need further details or assistance!