Healthcare in Japan, Part II - Tipping

[ad#468x60-ad]

I previously posted an article on healthcare in Japan and mentioned that a friend of mine died of cancer. Prior to my friends death, I witnessed him pay tens of thousands of yen as a "thank you" to his doctor. My friend's father worked in the healthcare system and was involved in developing the method of dispensing pharmaceuticals in Japan's hospitals. I was surprised then and even after all these years, that much has not changed when it comes to thanking the doctor or hospital with the gift of cold cash. James McCrostie writes in the Japan Times:

"Dear incoming Minister of Health,Japanese travel guides advise visitors that there is seldom any reason to tip in Japan. Luckily, tourists rarely have any reason to visit Japanese hospitals, or they might be in for a rude awakening.A Japanese relative of mine's long battle with Parkinson's disease has slowly been coming to its inevitable conclusion. Being minister of health, I'm sure you're aware that Parkinson's is a degenerative disease that attacks the central nervous system, impairing motor skills and speech, and that there is no cure. As my aunt gradually lost the ability to walk and feed herself, she began requiring increasingly long periods of hospitalization.During her time admitted to a private hospital in Tokyo I've learned something new about tipping in Japan. While it may not be standard practice in most of Japan's service industries, it seems to be common in at least one hospital. I've heard that handing over cash-stuffed envelopes to doctors is officially illegal, but it would appear some of them need a friendly reminder from your ministry. Click here for the rest of the story![ad#468x60-ad]