Chapter 1: The Limits of Japanese Medical Care and New Hope

 

The reality of Japanese medical care and my determination

Japan's annual medical expenses exceed 50 trillion yen, accounting for approximately half of the national budget. However, despite this huge amount, many people do not receive appropriate medical care.

The biggest problem is that the insurance system neglects to emphasize "prevention." While diabetes treatment is covered by insurance to the tune of 300,000 yen per year, prevention is hardly covered at all. Preventing disease would save both patients and medical costs, so why is this?

I first came face to face with this contradiction when I met Ms. A, a woman in her 40s. Diagnosed as prediabetic, the only thing I could say to her in the past was "diet and exercise." However, in reality, a drug called Zepbound can prevent over 90% of cases. However, it's expensive and not covered by insurance.

"Why are preventive medicines not available in Japan?" "Why are patients forced to pay for expensive medical treatment out of their own pocket?"

After 40 years as a doctor, I decided to go beyond existing frameworks and provide medical care that is truly for patients. This is how the medical digital transformation platforms "MyMedipro" and "GLP1.com" were born.