A Joint Global Expert Meeting entitled, “Rebalancing Health System—Innovation and Sustainability” was convened by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)and Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) on April 14th, 2017, at the Iwasaki Koyata Memorial Hall at the International House of Japan in Tokyo.

During the meeting, a variety of domestic and foreign experts and stakeholders discussed ways to balance the high costs that accompany medical technology developments brought on by innovation with the sustainability of the social security system – an issue that is currently under discussion all around the world. 

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, Chairman of HGPI. He expressed the need to finding a good balance between innovation and sustainability in the health systems.

Mr. Keizo Takemi, member of the House of Councillors, gave a keynote speech about the history of the Japanese health system, and the challenge of health care expenditure reform.

Dr. Yasuhiro Suzuki, Director General of the Health Insurance Bureau in Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) explained recent reforms in the Japanese drug pricing policy, and the future direction MHLW will take to achieve a good balance between innovation and sustainability in health care.

Dr. J. Stephen Morrison, Senior Vice President and Director of the Global Health Policy at the CSIS explained the impact of the Trump administration on Obamacare, as well as the distinctiveness of the US healthcare system and healthcare market, which contain a research and development environment that drives forward global innovation.

The following three health experts and the moderator discussed about the importance of the creation of a common understanding about health issues among all stakeholders, the active use of data and evidence to effectively reduce unnecessary costs, and the involvement of the public in the decision making process for drug pricing.

The experts from academia, a patient advocate group, and MHLW had a lively discussion with the moderator on healthcare costs within Japan’s medical system, the system in place to reflect the opinion of patients in policy, and the importance of quality among medical practitioners.

Dr. Hiromi Mitsubayashi, a member of the House of Representatives and former Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, gave a closing address.