| Healthcare
All going to plan – the following information will
be irrelevant to everyone during their time in Japan….
however, you never know. Rest assured if anything does go
wrong, Japan is a country that boasts the longest life expectancy
in the world – the healthcare system must be doing something
right!
There are a couple of things to bear in mind when visiting
a medical practitioner in Japan, and especially so in more
rural areas such as Hakui. Occasional gripes and groans crop
up about medical treatment but more often and not these concern
cultural differences regarding patient care rather than the
actual treatment.
Firstly, confidentiality: no need for exaggeration, doctors
don’t shout about their patients from the rooftops.
On the other hand the medical profession doesn’t seem
to be bound by the same stringent ethical code regarding patient
privacy that many people take for granted in their home countries.
Secondly, people occasionally feel they are prescribed more
medicine than necessary despite being less than adequately
informed about their illness/prescription. It’s worth
remembering that doctors are questioned comparatively less
in Japan than in many foreign countries - rather than intentionally
keeping people in the dark, doctors may not realise patients
often want as much information as available.
A final note…… KEEP YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
(the orange card!) IN A SAFE, ACCESIBLE PLACE AND GIVE A COPY
TO YOUR OFFICE – you will need to produce it in order
to receive treatment!
The following list comprises some of the Doctors etc. in
the Hakui area
Matsunuma Clinic, Dr. Matsunuma – (0767) 29 3188 –
Shio Town - (closes 18.30)
· A small clinic therefore short waiting time.
· Dr Matsunuma is friendly, can speak some English
and explains things well.
· Is highly regarded among locals as well as past JETs.
Hikishima Hospital – (0767) 22 1205 – Hakui –
(closes 17.30)
· Smaller hospital therefore usually short waiting
time.
· Dr. Hikishima is friendly and can speak some English.
Hakui Hospital – (0767) 22 1220 – Hakui
· A busy hospital with very long waiting times
· Various medical departments, best place to go if
you have a more serious illness and potentially need to be
admitted.
· Some doctors speak a little English
Yoshida Hospital – (0767) 22 6611 - Hakui-Dental clinic
· Dental treatment including check-ups and cleaning
· An appointment is essential
· Health Insurance is accepted
Nakano Sekkotsuin – (0767) 22-9278 - Hakui Physiotherapy
· Deals with muscle injuries / pain.
· Use electrical pulses and shiatsu massage.
· Health insurance is accepted
Yamazaki Acupuncture – (0767) 32-0264 (Shika-machi)
· Acupunture and shiatsu massage
· Treatment must be pescribed by a doctor for it to
be covered by health insurance.
TOP
|
