Increasing number of patients with fever rejected by Tokyo hospitals

Wednesday 06th May, 07:18 AM JST

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Sarge at 07:20 PM JST - 6th May

"I recently went to 4 doctors and gor 4 different opinions."

Is that surprising?
taiko666 at 08:46 PM JST - 6th May

The very concept of someone in need of medical attention being refused treatment by a hospital without a good rock-solid reason still seems completely ludicrous, inhumane, mediaeval, barbaric and callous. Yet it seems to happen every day here in Japan. What a unique country!
Disillusioned at 08:40 AM JST - 7th May

Dont get sick in this country, or pregnant, because there is a very good chance the "hospitals" will turn you away and leave you to die.

Yep! Too true! I pay a small fortune every year in health insurance, but when my kids were born we went to a private maternity hospital, which cost another 500,000yen per kid, none of which was claimable of the national health insurance scam.

I recently went to 4 doctors and got 4 different opinions.

4 times? Are you a glutton for punishment? I saw a specialist dermatologist for an itchy rash on my back. After taking swabs and skin samples for testing I returned 2 weeks later to receive his specialist diagnosis, which was, "Your skin doesn't like Japanese winter." I just walked out in total disgust and got my mother to send me some Paw-Paw ointment from Oz and the rash was gone in less than a week.
Nosweat at 01:00 PM JST - 7th May

How on earth could it be worded .. ? "Do you have foreign friends?"
European1 at 02:45 PM JST - 7th May

Good god where are the lawyers ?

Law does not exist in this country. J Lawyers are big joke. Corrupted system my friend, nothing more.
European1 at 02:47 PM JST - 7th May

Japan has a health system that Japan can be proud of. Universal health and dental care is something I really fine admirable. The facilities are great.

You`re joking right? Tell me YES, please.

Proud of what? is this news not enough? Universal and expensive for many people who cannot afford to pay. Dental Care? Common! 10 visits with simple filling?
European1 at 02:50 PM JST - 7th May

...when my kids were born we went to a private maternity hospital, which cost another 500,000yen per kid, none of which was claimable of the national health insurance scam.

JNHI system = maternity is not sickness, this is why is not reimbursed or free. Yeah, GoJ want more kids. Good Luck!
European1 at 02:55 PM JST - 7th May

Look at systems in Sweden and Canada for better examples of universal health care, where not only EVERYONE is covered, they are covered 100% for any medical work that is not cosmetic (and even then, if it is from assault or an accident). In Japan you pay through the teeth in taxes, then pay again when you visit, if you are accepted.

In Netherlands if you cannot afford to pay health insurance which every resident MUST have, government will cover for you.(cost about 1,000euro a year per person) Only adults pay for insurance and your kids up to 18y.o. have free cover.
Leopalace at 07:31 AM JST - 10th May

They tried to reject me from a hospital for coming with hay fever allergies (and being white), last Friday. I told them that they had given me a little plastic healthcare card, therefor they were my primary healthcare provider. I went and sat in the waiting room and told them they'd need to get the police to throw me out or an ambulance to take me somewhere else. They treated me and I got my allergy medicine. Maybe some of these 'rejected' patients should learn how to stand up for themselves a bit more?
nandakandamanda at 11:01 AM JST - 11th May

I think it is official policy here.

I've seen it on the TV and in other news sources. The population has been told quite clearly, "If you think you have flu, stay home and phone the local health office for advice as to your next step. DO NOT go straight to hospital!"
ganjaa at 10:49 PM JST - 11th May

I got rejected initially last Saturday May 9th. I was asked to call the government hot line first for consultation. The gov. line said, "can you get up and walk around?" I replied, "yes". Of course with a 39.1 fever it was a struggle. Called the hospital back and they said, "ok, come on over". WTF?! How's that for due diligence...? For those of you considering a jaunt to the hospital with a fever, call first and lie since the gov doesn't give you a reference number or anything. I mean, how can you reject a person based on an 'ASSumed" illness when your primary role is to provide health care. In the west, I'm happy to report, would be prejudice and lawsuit central. Way to go "Ambitious Japan!"
cleo at 10:53 PM JST - 11th May

I hope your fever's gone now, ganjaa. Odaijini.
nandakandamanda at 12:16 AM JST - 12th May

Talking to a bunch of doctors today and they were admiring the US system where people are advised to stay at home. The Japanese system is to interview you over the phone and then have you come to an emergency isolation ward if they reckon you are a danger. They were laughing and saying that this Japanese measure is fine with minimal numbers, but open to overload if the epidemic spreads.
Coolasapool at 04:12 PM JST - 12th May

Some patients were rejected by hospitals after telling them, ‘‘I work at Narita airport’’ or ‘‘I have a foreign friend,’’ the survey showed

oh that is just brillian that is!
jonnyboy at 04:44 PM JST - 12th May

it seems like these hospitals are worried they'll be caught with some sick people on their hands. crikey! perhaps all hospitals should be forced to watch every episode of ER, then they might understand what hospitals are supposed to be for