[A Discussion of Involvement of Pharmacists in Home Medical Care in Foreign Countries and International Comparison of Medical Care System].

In an aging society, the sustainability of the public medical system is the most important factor. I surveyed leading cases in Japan, as well as corresponding cases overseas. I also conducted interviews in Britain, North America, and Europe, and these indicated the current trends and issues. The UK has a universal insurance system and, facing a declining birthrate and an aging population, they have adopted a policy of immigration, which has various problems. However, the GP system is highly regarded by the OECD. Denmark has also introduced a similar medical system and they are implementing social security policies based on ICT. Sweden managed to cover an extreme shortage of pharmacists by adopting several policies. The U. S., under the pressures of their current health insurance system, is now shifting to preventive and early intervention by cultivating public consciousness in this area. In comparison, there is no country like Japan, which has a serious problem of an increasingly aging population, and where pharmacists play important roles in home care. However, leading overseas cases are worth learning from.