Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has presented an urgent recommendation regarding the ideal system for obstetric care in Japan in the era of the birthrate redline. With the declining birth rate becoming an urgent issue, the government has adopted a diverse range of countermeasures to the declining birth rate, and discussions are underway toward the future insurance coverage of childbirth expenses.

On the other hand, the business environment surrounding obstetric care institutions is becoming harsher due to a decrease in the number of births and higher prices. Against this backdrop, HGPI has released an urgent recommendation on what is needed to maintain a safe environment for pregnancy and childbirth in this era of declining birthrates.

Recommendations

1. The government should clarify the future structure of Japan’s obstetric care system and present a vision.
2. When insurance coverage is granted to childbirth, adequate points must be assigned to it in the medical service fee schedule. When revising reimbursements, ensure that the natural increase in the cost of childbirth is reflected.
3. Provide suitable reimbursements for and review medical practices related to perinatal care.
4. Cooperate with local governments and related parties to design frameworks that will not require copayments from expectant mothers.
5. Determine how to best provide painless delivery.

For details, please see the PDFs linked below.