GENOVA Conducts Exclusive Interview with Kanagawa Medical Association President Leading Regional Healthcare

GENOVA's Insightful Interview with the President of Kanagawa Medical Association

GENOVA, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, recently had the opportunity to interview Shinichiro Suzuki, the President of the Kanagawa Medical Association. This interview was published on their healthcare media platform, Medical Doc, aimed at informing the public about essential health knowledge amid rising health awareness in society due to aging demographics.

Background of the Interview

The rapid increase in health awareness among the populace has created a demand for accurate preventive information. Medical Doc serves this demand by providing reliable and up-to-date health data to individuals seeking knowledge about healthcare. This interview focuses on bringing the realities and challenges of Japan's regional healthcare system to light, making it accessible to both medical professionals and the general public.

Key Themes Discussed in the Interview

Shinichiro Suzuki, who assumed office in June 2024, shared his insights into critical issues facing healthcare in Kanagawa Prefecture. The themes tackled include:

The Role of Medical Associations as 'Last Bastions'

Suzuki emphasized that medical associations, like the Kanagawa Medical Association, function as the last resort for physicians beyond traditional academic hospitals. This role is vital in uniting practitioners throughout the community, fostering collaboration to ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery.

Breaking Free from 'Healthcare Without Surplus'

One alarming revelation was that approximately 80% of hospitals in Kanagawa are currently operating at a loss. Suzuki highlighted the urgent need for digital transformation (DX) to improve efficiency and sustainability within the healthcare sector, aiming to reverse this trend and deliver better services to the community.

Challenges in Cultivating Future Healthcare Talent

With declining birth rates, there is a pressing need to secure the next generation of healthcare professionals. To address this, the Kanagawa Medical Association has initiated events like the 'MIRAI Street', a healthcare event for children, and the 'Kana-Doku' project, which supports the career development of young doctors, ensuring a robust pipeline of medical talent in the years to come.

The Importance of Universal Healthcare

Suzuki also delved into public perceptions regarding examination fees and the necessity for every citizen of Kanagawa to act as a 'guardian' of the healthcare system. He emphasized the significant advantages of universal healthcare and urged the community to value and protect this resource, reinforcing the partnership between individuals and healthcare systems.

Through this interview, Suzuki provided expert insights that are not only beneficial for healthcare professionals but also crucial for everyday individuals interested in managing their health and understanding the healthcare landscape. This interaction strengthens Medical Doc's role as a bridge connecting the healthcare industry with the general populace.

Accessing the Interview

The comprehensive interview can be accessed through the following URLs:

Profile of Shinichiro Suzuki

Shinichiro Suzuki, the President of the Kanagawa Medical Association, also serves as the Director of Fujisawa Shonan-Dai Hospital. A graduate of Yokohama City University School of Medicine in 1982, he specializes in surgery and colorectal areas and has been significantly active in both clinical practice and talent development. Previously, he was the President of the Fujisawa Medical Association from 2015 to 2023 and has been a pioneer in initiatives like drive-through PCR and 24-hour home care support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Medical Doc

Medical Doc provides crucial preventive health information amid increasing health awareness driven by an aging population. With oversight by over 2,000 medical professionals, the platform offers insights on various diseases and conditions alongside narratives of individuals' health journeys, promoting enhanced health consciousness across different demographics. Additionally, by presenting the distinct characteristics of medical facilities nationwide, it helps users find suitable primary care providers.

About GENOVA

GENOVA aims to connect people with healthcare to create a healthier society, addressing societal issues like the shortage of healthcare professionals due to Japan's aging population. They focus on enhancing healthcare access and improving patient experiences through innovative healthcare tech services. With a commitment to contributing positively to society, GENOVA continues to develop impactful projects rooted in their mission.