Member Stories

George is a freelance writer from England, living and work in Tokyo. He had been diagnosed with Hepatitis C (HCV) and was receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. However, after his regular doctor left the hospital, the replacement refused to treat George due to the language barrier, despite the fact the hospital had an interpreter on staff. Instead, she gave George a list of Tokyo hospitals that could treat liver problems. Looking at the list, George knew finding a new hospital on his own would be difficult.

While researching his options, George first came across JHI. Using the list from the previous doctor, JHI cut down the number of hospitals to only those who would best fit George’s needs and then arranged an appointment at hospital of his choice.

On top of that, he says, “JHI informed me that my ward operated a support program for HCV patients in need of interferon treatment. She told me exactly what I would need from the ward office, filed the forms when I mailed them to her, and then set up an appointment for me at the ward office handling the support program.”

George feels like he has benefitted greatly from JHI’s member services. He is waiting for final results of the interferon treatment, but for now he is free of the HCV virus. “I don’t think I could have done it on my own.”

Allison is a teacher from the UK living in Tokyo, who found Japan Healthcare Info through the popular blog “Surviving in Japan” when she needed help scheduling a routine medical appointment. “JHI was incredible helpful, handling everything with sensitivity and care, as well as making sure I had all the information I needed.”

Shortly after this first appointment, Allison came to rely much more on JHI when she discovered she was pregnant. A member of the JHI team saw her through the hospital registration procedures and the consultations with doctors and hospital staff. JHI also helped arrange her appointments, schedule routine tests and check-ups, and they accompanied her to her appointments to ensure Allison was relaxed and well-informed at every stage.

“JHI’s professional and friendly approach has made sure that both I and the medical staff were able to communicate complex medical information clearly and accurately. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they have made everything seem very straight forward. I can’t recommend the service enough!”

This is a story contributed from Amada’s mother to JHI.

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My daughter Amanda is getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime, a semester studying at a University in Osaka, Japan.  Recently, we realized that some new medication she was prescribed by our family doctor would need to be approved by the Japanese inspector before she arrived in Japan.

In need of a Yakkan Shoumei (Certificate) quickly, we turned to JHI for help.  I read a great article in The Japan Times that gave a link to JHI.  I sent an email hoping for some direction but got so much more!  The staff answered my email and walked us though the Yakkan Shoumei process.  She contacted the inspector in Kansai and then helped translate my email into proper Japanese.  Without JHI, I am sure we would not have had the successful outcome we had.

Amanda received her Yakkan Shoumei immediately and is ready to travel.  Knowing that she will be in Japan for four months, we purchased a student membership to JHI.  Our daughter will be able to contact JHI and ask questions and get assistance while she is in Japan.  Our experience with JHI has been wonderful.  As a parent sending a child from the US to Japan, I am comforted to know that JHI is available to answer her questions and help her!

Sanjay, a business analyst from India living in Japan, was in need of an English-speaking prenatal care provider for his expectant wife. He turned to Japan Healthcare Info, and says, “JHI not only helped us locate the right hospital with English-speaking doctors; they also made appointments and arranged for a member to visit with us during our hospital visits.”

After the birth of their baby, Sanjay and his wife needed to find a daycare in their neighborhood. JHI researched local childcare facilities and accompanied them on their visits to the daycares to choose the best one for their child. “It is also assisting us with all the cumbersome paperwork one needs to go through to apply for daycare in Japan. Overall my experience with JHI has been wonderful. (All of this) would not have been possible without their assistance.”

Sanjay was so impressed with JHI’s supportive and professional assistance that he enrolled his family in the yearly membership program. He praises the membership benefits his family has used, such as help with setting up appointments, assistance with paperwork, and staff accompaniment during hospital visits, among other services.

“I sincerely thank JHI and appreciate their hard work. It is very difficult for expats to find proper (medical) information, especially because of the language obstacle. Life is much easier and I feel relaxed after joining. I feel lucky that I came in contact with JHI.”

Chris was planning a move from Colorado to Tokyo to start a career as an English teacher, but was concerned about what treatment options he would have in Japan for his hereditary angioedema. Unable to find the information he needed, he turned to JHI for his medical concerns.

Unfortunately, treatment in Japan for hereditary angioedema is nearly non-existent, so JHI worked with Chris so he could legally import his medication from America*.“JHI has been invaluable in finding all the information I needed, especially in regards to dealing with the bureaucracy involved with the Japanese health system.”

“(JHI) has given me peace of mind in that I never need to worry about finding a doctor for any other issues or should a real emergency arise knowing I have someone to help.”

*Note from JHI: Chris received support from a Japanese specialist doctor and was advised to import medication. It is not advisable to import medication and use without any supervision or support from healthcare professionals.