November 8, 2023 Implementation of Demonstration Project for Online Medical Services at Post Offices in Remote Areas under FY2023 Project for Promotion of Public Regional Infrastructure Cooperation of Post Offices, etc.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), as part of its Project for Promotion of Public Regional Infrastructure Cooperation of Post Offices, etc., since fiscal 2022, will conduct a demonstration project for online medical services at post offices in remote areas from Wednesday, November 15, as specified below.

1. Overview

Since 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has been implementing a project to promote collaboration among post offices and other public regional infrastructures, utilizing digital technology and the nationwide network of 24,000 post offices, with the aim of conducting demonstration projects to solve regional issues through collaboration between post offices and local governments and other regional public infrastructures, and of developing model cases throughout the country. The project has been implemented since fiscal 2022. (See the attachment)
As part of this project, a demonstration project for online medical services utilizing vacant post office space will be implemented in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, for the first time in Japan this fiscal year under the theme of “Ensuring Accessibility of Medical Care in Remote Areas.” This initiative is based on the institutional system announced by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in May 2023* that allows special access to online medical services in remote areas and is intended to ensure online medical services for older people by utilizing vacant space in post offices.

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  Regarding the establishment of clinics for online medical services in remote areas, etc., where physicians are not stationed as a special exception (Medical Service Agency General Announcement No. 0518-1, dated May 18, 2023).

2. Demonstration overview

1. Place of implementation

Minami-Onomi Post Office (2-1 Wa-bu, Hanazono-cho, Nanao, Ishikawa Pref.)

2. Implementation period

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, through Friday, February 16, 2024 Every Wednesday and Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the above period

3. Details of demonstration project

A private booth or booths ensuring privacy will be set up in the Minami-Onomi Post Office. Patients with diseases and conditions suitable for online treatment will be connected to the cooperating medical institution (Negami Mirai Clinic) via an Internet connection. Each patient will receive real-time medical treatment from a doctor through information and communication devices.
Patients who receive prescriptions through online medical services can, if they wish, receive online medication counseling through an Internet connection to a cooperating pharmacy after the medical services. (See Attachment 2 and Separate Attachment 1)

3. Others

A ceremony to mark the start of the demonstration project will be held from 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, at the Minami-Onomi Post Office (see Attachment 3). Those wishing to cover the event are requested to submit an application form in advance (see Separate Attachment 2).

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  The published materials are in Japanese only.