Number of general hospitals with pediatrics departments Japan 2014-2022

As of October 2022, close to 2.5 thousand general hospitals in Japan provided pediatric departments. Almost 35 percent of all the general hospitals in the country had a department of pediatric medicine during the measured period. Pediatricians treat children up to 15 years old, providing infant checkups and vaccinations. Children enrolled in Japanese health insurance receive treatment and medication for free.

Child health and longevity

Throughout the past decade, the infant mortality rate in Japan has continued to decline steadily. Consequently, Japan ranks among the top five countries globally with the lowest infant mortality rates. Japan's low infant mortality rate could likely be attributed to factors such as its national health insurance system, widespread healthcare accessibility, and population-based screening for children. Remarkably, countries with low infant mortality rates often exhibit high average life expectancies — in Japan, individuals can anticipate living up to approximately 84 years.

Health infrastructure in Japan

Japan boasts one of the world’s highest number of hospitals. The nation’s healthcare system is predominantly overseen by private entities, with a significant majority of hospitals established by medical corporations. In Japan, hospitals typically function as non-profit entities, owned and operated primarily by physicians. Currently, over 343 thousand physicians are actively engaged in medical care. The government plays a vital role in overseeing and rigorously regulating medical fees, ensuring accessibility and affordability of treatments for the public.