The Japanese government is to offer access to medical records to certified start - ups in an attempt to foster innovation and investment in health care technology . Companies will be given certification through a programme run by the ministry of economy , trade and industry , which has requested funding ( $ 9.6 million ) to oversee the scheme . Medical costs are expected to decrease if people can live longer in good health. As Japan 's population ages , the government is looking to technology to reduce health care costs by making healthcare infrastructure more efficient , having previously lagged behind other countries . It invested only $ 35 m in health care technology in 2017 , compared with $ 500 in the US and $ 550 m in China .
The Japanese government is to offer access to medical records to certified start - ups in an attempt to foster innovation and investment in health care technology . Companies will be given certification through a programme run by the ministry of economy , trade and industry , which has requested funding ( $ 9.6 million ) to oversee the scheme . As Japan 's population ages , the government is looking to technology to reduce health care costs by making healthcare infrastructure more efficient , having previously lagged behind other countries . It invested only $ 35 m in health care technology in 2017 , compared with $ 500 in the US and $ 550 m in China .