Tokyo (March 12, 2014) — Japanese Central Social Insurance Medical Council (Chuikyo) approved a plan to use a combination of NHI covered medical care along with uninsured Advanced Medical Care (AMC) in healthcare facilities designated by the government as National Strategic Special Zone (NSSZ) in a bid to shorten down to three months, or in half, the examination period for Advanced Medical Care.

The zone was established in June 2013 by the Japanese government in its landmark Abenomics document entitled Japanese Revitalization Strategy. According to the paper “The objective of the special zone is to make a breakthrough as an experimental site for regulatory reform”.

Patients with rare and intractable diseases will benefit from this system by accessing AMC at early stage and at reduced costs.

At least 15 medical facilities across Japan, where the shortened review process will be conducted, are becoming part of National Strategic Special Zone by the end of March 2014.

Usually when healthcare services provided by National Health Insurance are combined with leading edge medical treatment both must be paid in full by the patient.

Chuikyo is advisory body to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

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