Transforming Treatment
The annual HxD Pitch Day brought together five innovative start-ups that are bringing healthcare innovation to a changing world.
Innovation Destination
As a super-aging society with a population of more than 100 million, Japan has the potential to become a destination for healthcare innovation. Its citizens have easy and equal access to quality healthcare services, with pharmaceuticals and medical devices playing important roles in improving quality of life. But there are technological obstacles to overcome. The US medical device industry is leading the effort to develop a data platform in Japan which will enable traceability in healthcare.
Unsung Hero: Dr. Tatsuya Kondo
One year ago, we featured Dr. Tatsuya Kondo on the cover of The ACCJ Journal. The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) had recognized him for his contributions to the healthcare industry with the 2020 ACCJ Outstanding Achievement Award. Dr. Kondo played a key role in Japan’s healthcare efforts as chief executive of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) from 2008 to 2019. Sadly, he passed away on September 26 after a battle with prostate cancer. ACCJ members shared thoughts and memories with The ACCJ Journal about what Dr. Kondo meant to them and the industry.
The Power to Innovate
The Japanese public is concerned that domestic pharmaceutical companies have yet to launch a single Covid-19 vaccine. Some may argue that this is due to a low rate of vaccine confidence, as is seen in the national tendency to avoid the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has, in turn, caused a problem for vaccine development.
HxD 2021
Healthcare x Digital 2021 will carry forth the goal of forging new partnerships and creating new solutions to solve Japan’s most critical community healthcare and individual patient challenges by focusing on three key areas tied to the digital transformation of society and which can help Japan continue to take care of—and provide even better care for—all its citizens.
Impact of Engagement
Japan faces a very modern problem: its success in delivering universal health coverage and fostering longer life expectancy has led to demographic and social changes that are giving rise to a new set of interconnected healthcare challenges. As the Japanese government moves to reform its healthcare system to address these challenges, new policy approaches will be necessary. With the right approach and policies, Japan can continue to improve the health of its citizens and create a blueprint that aging societies around the world can follow.
Do the Right Thing
As the coronavirus pandemic unfolded in early 2020, supply chain disruptions put extreme pressure on many companies. The healthcare industry, in particular, struggled with a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and procuring resources became a difficult—and sometimes risky—business for those in need, as some unscrupulous vendors took advantage of the situation. For others, the crisis was a chance to show how strong ethics provide a solid foundation for long-term business success. One such company is Northfield, Illinois-based Medline Industries, LP.
Beyond the Pandemic
One reason that foreign companies choose to invest in Japan is the nation’s high-quality manufacturing and services sectors, as well as its technological prowess and innovative workforce. Maintaining the health of the population—beyond the immediate challenges of Covid-19—is, therefore, critical to the future prosperity of the country and the viability of its business environment.