GENOVA Expands AI Translator Pocketalk to Medical Clinics Nationwide

In recent developments, GENOVA, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is taking significant steps to address communication barriers in healthcare settings. The company has announced an initiative to roll out the AI translator, Pocketalk, provided by SourceNext, to medical institutions across Japan.

The Challenge of Language Barriers in Healthcare

With Japan poised to welcome record numbers of international visitors—projected to reach 42 million by 2025—and an increasing foreign resident population, the need for multilingual support in medical institutions has never been more pressing. Language barriers are manifesting in various ways within healthcare settings:

- Completing and confirming patient questionnaires requires substantial time, leading to increased burdens on both patients and healthcare staff.
- Accurately gathering symptoms and medical history has become challenging, directly impacting the quality of care and safety.
- Insufficient explanations regarding insurance information and out-of-pocket expenses can lead to unpaid bills and disputes.
- Many clinics are finding it increasingly difficult to accept foreign patients, jeopardizing access to medical care in local communities.

In light of these issues, the demand for multilingual solutions in domestic healthcare is anticipated to grow significantly. GENOVA estimates the potential market size for AI translation devices in medical settings to be around 12.5 billion yen, suggesting that creating a multilingual communication environment in clinics is a crucial goal to enhance patient experience and improve operational efficiency in medical facilities.

Implementation Overview

GENOVA will introduce Pocketalk, capable of translating approximately 92 languages, to its partner clinics. This integration aims to facilitate seamless communication across all phases of the patient journey—from reception and medical questionnaires to consultations and billing.

Device Details:

- Device: AI Translator Pocketalk (SourceNext Inc.)
- Supported Languages: 92 languages (91 for both audio and text translation, 1 for text only)

Anticipated Benefits

The implementation of Pocketalk is expected to bring several key benefits:

- Enhanced Patient Experience: Patients can complete medical consultations in their native languages, fostering a comfortable environment for receiving healthcare services.
- Reduced Workload for Medical Staff: The use of translation tools will streamline communication, helping reduce appointment times and easing the workload for healthcare providers.
- Expanded Revenue Opportunities for Clinics: By lowering barriers for foreign patients, clinics can create additional opportunities for needed services such as self-paid medical care, health check-ups, and more.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, GENOVA is committed to advancing the integration of AI technologies in healthcare. In addition to Pocketalk, the company plans to implement automated cashless payment systems and integrate electronic medical records, optimizing clinic operations. The goal is to provide a healthcare experience for all patients, including international visitors and resident foreigners, that is free from constraints of language, location, and time.

About GENOVA

Founded with the mission to connect people and healthcare for a healthier society, GENOVA offers innovative healthcare tech services. In response to Japan's pressing social issues such as the aging population and healthcare workforce shortages, as well as the rising burden of national healthcare costs, the company works to deliver diverse solutions that address these needs. Through its offerings, GENOVA aims to resolve the anxieties and dissatisfaction of patients regarding healthcare and improve overall quality of medical services.

Company Overview:

- Name: GENOVA Corporation
- Location: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 34F Shibuya Hikarie; 2-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 23F Shibuya Akushu
- CEO: Tomoki Hirase
- Business Activities: Medical Platform Business, Smart Clinic Business, Dental Distribution Business, DX Business
- Website: https://genova.co.jp