Over 30% of big hospitals close, downsize departments in past four years

Saturday 07th June, 07:17 AM JST

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10 Comments

some14some at 08:28 AM JST - 7th June

Big or small hospitals, business is business...it is profit that matters not patient. Meantime, they have enough medical personnel for dispatch to overseas missions.
Beelzebub at 09:04 AM JST - 7th June

Things are probably a lot worse in the U.S. and those with insurance are not necessarily exempt from the problem. In Japan, with its aging population, the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better. (Forget that cliche, it's not ever going to get better.) All we need is an epidemic of avian influenza hitting one-tenth the population to drive a stake through the heart of the whole medical establishment.
capone at 10:06 AM JST - 7th June

the more j hospitals that close, the more people might live
Himajin at 02:08 PM JST - 7th June

Well yes it is a business, how can you treat people when bankrupt? Salaries, supplies, electricity etc all cost money. The electricity for an average 100-bed hospital is 80 or so man a month,water close to that...then the ken has guidelines for how many nurses and nurse's assistants you have per number of beds, and the beds aren't always full. You can't ignore the bottom line and stay open.
nisegaijin at 02:34 PM JST - 7th June

This is what social welfare does.
Zen_Builder at 02:45 PM JST - 7th June

Of course "social welfare" sucks compared to when you can't afford medical coverage, etc.

Lets see what is the percentage of people in the US, etc NOT covered by medial aid.

Social welfare might not be the best option but I guess you will take it when you are in pain and possible dying vs hospital turning you away because you are not covered.
outofmydepth at 05:16 PM JST - 7th June

why doesnt anyone say "for shame" that they have to close these places because no one wants to do the work. for shame on japanese society for not treating its healthcare workers with the dignity, hours and pay they deserve. especially the hours. then again, there are those who dont want to work nights, weekends.......on and on.
Betting at 05:42 PM JST - 7th June

Considering how much I pay for national health insurance, this really makes me feel ripped off. I pay a lot of money per month (and so do a great many other people) and we get so little in return. I've always thought that states exist to serve the people, not to abuse the people. The system is clearly broken, it needs to examined and fixed.
natosucks at 09:54 PM JST - 7th June

That's a shame!, why not import "gaijin" doctors?...i can't believe it!...
Molenir at 02:02 AM JST - 8th June

Probably because they would treat them like crap, and pay them even worse. Doctors go back home and are treated decently, and make more money. So... why come to Japan?