To launch the ACCJ-EBC Health Policy White Paper 2013, Lengthening Healthy Lifespans to Boost Economic Growth, the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) and the European Business Council in Japan (EBC) held a joint press conference on May 31, 2013.

EBC Chairman Mr. Duco Delgorge, EBC Vice-Chairman and EBC Medical Equipment Committee Chairman Mr. Danny Risberg, ACCJ President Mr. Laurence W. Bates, ACCJ Healthcare Committee Chairman Mr. William Bishop, ACCJ Governor and Healthcare Committee liaison Mr. Bruce Ellsworth, and ACCJ Healthcare IT Sub-Committee Chairwoman Ms. Eriko Asai, were joined by more than 35 members of the press.

At the press conference, ACCJ President, Mr. Bates, presented the purpose and objectives of the Healthcare White Paper saying that, “If adopted, these new policy proposals would not only lower the social and economic burden of disease but would also support Japanese economic growth by increasing worker productivity and lowering disability and absenteeism.”

Developed over a one-year period, including over 150 evidence-based policy recommendations spanning across 36 healthcare topic areas, EBC Chairman, Mr. Delgorge, explains that, “These recommendations are offered as a first step toward appropriate policy change in Japan that will help prevent or detect diseases earlier. I am excited that ACCJ and EBC are working together to enhance the already high standard of the Japanese healthcare system.”

Presentations covering the several topics from the White Paper were made by other speakers followed by a Q&A session.