Osaka

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Health and Medical Services

Overview of hospitals, clinics, and options for obtaining medical assistance in case of emergencies.

Sections

1. Overview of Healthcare in Osaka

Japan has a high-quality healthcare system, and Osaka, as a major city, offers a wide range of medical services. The healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers, with universal health insurance ensuring affordability for residents. However, visitors and immigrants need to understand the system to navigate it effectively.

2. Hospitals and Clinics

Osaka has numerous hospitals and clinics, including general hospitals, specialized medical centers, and smaller neighborhood clinics. Hereโ€™s how to access them:

General Hospitals

  • Osaka University Hospital

    • Specialties: Advanced medical care, research, and specialized treatments.
    • Address: 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871
    • Contact: +81-6-6879-5111
    • Language Support: English-speaking staff available in some departments.
    • Website: Osaka University Hospital

  • Osaka Red Cross Hospital

    • Specialties: Emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics.
    • Address: 5-30 Fudegasaki-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-8555
    • Contact: +81-6-6774-5111
    • Language Support: Limited English support; interpreter services may be arranged.
    • Website: Osaka Red Cross Hospital

Clinics

  • Clinics are smaller and often specialize in specific fields like dermatology, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
  • Many clinics operate on a walk-in basis, but some require appointments.
  • Language Barrier: Most clinics have limited English-speaking staff, so itโ€™s advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app.

International Clinics

  • Osaka Medical Clinic

    • Specialties: General medicine, internal medicine, vaccinations.
    • Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0052
    • Contact: +81-6-6621-1101
    • Language Support: English-speaking doctors available.

  • Kobe Kaisei Hospital (near Osaka)

    • Specialties: General medicine, emergency care.
    • Address: 3-11-15 Shinohara-kitamachi, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-0068
    • Contact: +81-78-871-5201
    • Language Support: English-speaking staff available.

3. Pharmacies (่–ฌๅฑ€, Yakkyoku)

Pharmacies in Osaka are widely available and easy to find. They are categorized into two types:

  • Dispensing Pharmacies: For prescription medications.
  • Drugstores: For over-the-counter (OTC) medications, health products, and cosmetics.

Popular Pharmacy Chains

  • Matsumoto Kiyoshi: Offers OTC medications, vitamins, and health products.
  • Sugi Pharmacy: Known for prescription services and health consultations.
  • Daikoku Drug: Affordable OTC medications and health products.

Tips for Foreigners

  • Bring your prescription or a note from your doctor if you need specific medication.
  • Many pharmacists do not speak English, so use a translation app or prepare the Japanese name of the medication.
  • Look for pharmacies with signs that say "English Support Available."

4. Costs and Insurance

Costs

  • Consultation Fees:
    • Clinics: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 ($13โ€“$35) without insurance.
    • Hospitals: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 ($35โ€“$70) without insurance.
  • Medications: Costs vary depending on the type and whether itโ€™s prescription or OTC.

Insurance

  • National Health Insurance (NHI):
    • Available to residents, including foreigners staying in Japan for more than 3 months.
    • Covers 70% of medical costs; you pay 30%.
    • Enrollment: Visit your local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho) with your residence card.
  • Travel Insurance:
    • Visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
    • Ensure your policy includes coverage for Japan.

Payment

  • Most hospitals and clinics accept cash and credit cards.
  • Always carry cash, as smaller clinics may not accept cards.

5. Emergency Medical Assistance

Emergency Numbers

  • Ambulance and Fire: Dial 119 (free, available 24/7).
    • Say โ€œEmergencyโ€ in English, and they will connect you to an English-speaking operator.
  • Police: Dial 110 for non-medical emergencies.

24/7 Emergency Hospitals

  • Osaka General Medical Center

    • Address: 3-1-56 Bandai-Higashi, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8558
    • Contact: +81-6-6692-1201
    • Specialties: Emergency care, trauma, critical care.

  • Osaka City Juso Hospital

    • Address: 2-12-27 Nonaka-nishi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0034
    • Contact: +81-6-6304-2121

Emergency Translation Services

  • Japan Helpline: 0570-000-911 (24/7 multilingual support).
  • AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-6233-9266 (English support for medical inquiries).

6. Procedures for Seeking Care

  1. Non-Emergency Care:

    • Visit a clinic or hospital during regular hours (9:00 AMโ€“5:00 PM).
    • Bring your passport, insurance card, and cash/credit card.
    • Fill out a registration form (available in Japanese; some facilities provide English forms).

  2. Emergency Care:

    • Call 119 for an ambulance or go directly to an emergency hospital.
    • Provide your location and describe the emergency clearly.

  3. Follow-Up:

    • If referred to a specialist, make an appointment as instructed.

7. Language and Cultural Considerations

Language Barriers

  • Many medical staff in Osaka speak limited English.
  • Use translation apps like Google Translate or medical-specific apps like "MediBabble."
  • Some hospitals and clinics offer interpreter services; inquire in advance.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Be punctual for appointments.
  • Remove your shoes if entering a clinic with a tatami mat area.
  • Bow slightly when greeting medical staff.
  • Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in waiting areas.

Medical Translation Apps

  • Japan Hospital Search: Helps locate English-speaking doctors.
  • MediLink: Provides medical translations for symptoms and conditions.

8. Additional Resources

  • Osaka Medical Interpreters and Guide Association (OMIGA): Offers interpreter services for medical visits.
  • Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau: Provides information for foreign visitors.

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to access health and medical services in Osaka, Japan. If you have further questions or need specific assistance, feel free to ask!