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Japan Medical Digital Transformation

The Government of Japan (GOJ) is actively promoting the widespread adoption and interoperability of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) to accelerate healthcare digitization. In particular, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare (MHLW) is easing regulatory barriers and offering subsidies to support the nationwide sharing of medical information. For this purpose, in 2022, the GOJ introduced the “Medical Digital Transformation (DX) Promotion Plan,” which focuses on standardizing and accelerating the digitization of healthcare by promoting policies that expand the use of cloud-based EMRs, AI-driven patient care, and improved data portability and security.

The impetus for this plan stems from challenges in Japan’s healthcare system. Despite its convenience and accessibility, Japanese patients currently lack the ability to freely access their medical information. While EMRs are being introduced, their use is largely confined to individual medical institutions, with limited interoperability across different medical facilities. This lack of integration complicates patient care and restricts the use of medical information in diagnosis, treatment, health management, medical coordination, and the R&D of medical care and pharmaceuticals.

Consequently, there are key areas where U.S. companies can seize opportunities to contribute to the digital transformation of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in Japan: 

  • Advanced Technology Solutions: As Japan transitions to cloud-based EMR systems, U.S. companies can offer robust cloud infrastructures that provide secure and scalable solutions tailored to Japanese healthcare organizations. Additionally, AI-driven diagnostic tools and data analysis techniques can be customized for the Japanese market, offering practical solutions in clinical settings to enhance the quality of care.
  • Interoperability and Data Standardization: U.S. companies can introduce technologies and platforms based on international standards like Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) and HL7. These solutions can improve data interoperability within the Japanese healthcare system, facilitating seamless data exchange between different organizations and enabling more efficient healthcare delivery.
  • Security Solutions: With the growing demand for medical data security, U.S. companies can provide cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to safeguard sensitive medical information.
  • Patient-Centered Healthcare Services: U.S. companies can help establish a patient-centered healthcare system in Japan by offering tools that empower patients to access and manage their own medical data. This includes developing patient portals, mobile applications, and remote monitoring systems.

U.S. companies aiming to provide Japanese medical institutions with EMR systems featuring robust security, exceptional scalability, and AI-based data analysis technologies will need to carefully navigate the Japanese market. In doing so, U.S. companies should form local partnerships with entities familiar with the Japanese healthcare system and regulatory landscape. Collaborating with healthcare IT companies, hospital groups, and consultancies can offer valuable insights into local needs and challenges. This will enable U.S. companies to customize their solutions for the Japanese market while leveraging their technological expertise. For more information about the Japanese Health IT market and opportunities, contact the Commercial Service Japan at Office.Tokyo@trade.gov.
 

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