Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) held the third lecture of the 14th session of Health Policy Academy (HPA).

In the third lecture, Prof. Kazuya Sugitani (Associate Professor, Faculty of Policy Studies, Iwate Prefectural University) gave a lecture on the theme of “Policy Making and Evidence.” Covering the history and challenges of Evidence-Based Policy Making (EBPM), which has gained significant attention in recent public policy making, and various points of debate related to policy evaluation.

The 14th session of HPA aims to approach health policy as “practical learning” and provide knowledge and perspectives that are applicable to real-world settings and society, emphasizing the following three pillars:

1. Examining the “ideal state” of healthcare – We will reflect deeply on the values and ideals (norms) underlying healthcare systems and policies.
2. Listening to diverse perspectives – We will respect opinions from different positions, including healthcare professionals, government officials, patients, and stakeholders, while maintaining an attitude of seeking better policies.
3. Envisioning and shaping the future – We aim to foster the ability to envision and to conceptualize the future of healthcare and health policy, and to turn ideas into proposals and practical implementation.

The 14th session consists of a structured curriculum composed of four parts: the Foundation Module, Theory Module, Future of Healthcare Module, and Practice Module. Each lecture features lectures who are currently active in their respective fields, and participants from diverse backgrounds engage in discussions on various themes. Additionally, through group work aimed at creating policy proposals that serve as the final assignment due in February 2026, the program seeks to equip participants with the mindset necessary for actual policy formation processes.