Primary health care and health education in Japan

In this paper, the substance of the Alma Ata Declaration on Primary Health Care is discussed. Minimum requirements and working goals of Primary Health Care are reviewed. The health status of the Japanese people, and the medical and health delivery systems in Japan are considered, with reference to the Alma Ata Declaration. While the Alma Ata Declaration sets forth the goal of health for all by the year 2000, there is doubt as to whether, even in the developed countries, we will reach this goal. Health indices have improved considerably, but problems of delivery of medical care and health care still remain. Major problems discussed here are the regional disparity in availability of medical manpower and facilities, and the consequent disparity in health indices; sky-rocketing medical costs; the changing needs of Japan's aging population; and socialized medical care, and the lack of integration of insurance schemes. The most significant problem in delivery of Primary Medical Care in Japan is the lack of integration of health and medical services. This is discussed at length. In addition, the importance of health education to community health planning in Primary Health Care is discussed.