Keyword: Healthcare Challenges

ABSTRACT: Japan's healthcare system recognized for its achievements in universal healthcare coverage, for one of the highest life expectancies, and for low infant mortality rate. These impressive results achieved after decades of thoughtful policy making process and financial investments into the equitable access. In addition to that Japan has a long history of strong public health traditions and sophisticated insurance model. On the other hand, despite these achievements, the healthcare system recently faces growing pressure which may impact its sustainability and fairness.  One of the challenges is rapid aging of population.  In combination with persistently low fertility, these challenges are reshaping the demand for healthcare and long-term care services. Moreover, financial pressure in increasing with health-related and social security expenditures consume a growing share of the national budget. A shrinking number of workforces, unequal healthcare provider distribution, and fragmentation across nearly 3,000 health private insurers create additional inefficiencies and threaten equitable access of the population to healthcare services, especially in the rural areas. In addition, the healthcare system is under strain from rising number of multimorbidity and increasing mental health issues among young population. Advance in technological progress creates opportunities but at the same time requires substantial adaptation.