Introduction of a mass screening program into a rural community: An approach to the development of a primary health care system / 日本農村医学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Takasu-machi is a small rural community (population about 7, 500) adjacent to Asahikawa, one of the largest cities in Hokkaido, Japan's nothernmost major island. Its economy is largely based on agriculture dominated by paddy rice growing. The only medical institution available here is a bedless clinic. To meet total health needs of the inhabitants, we have implemented a total health control program since 1975, with multiphasic screening as its main component. The objectives of of the program are prevention of disease by means of education, early detection and early treatment of disease, and establishment of a primary health care system.<BR>Recently we have conducted a survey of the outcome of the program. The survey found that significant results have been obtained during the past decade.<BR>(1) The number of untreated cases has fallen.<BR>(2) The costs of medical care have been beld down.<BR>(3) The relations between the hospital and practicing physicians have become closer.<BR>(4) People have become health-conscious and aware of the significance of symptoms.<BR>These findings suggest that the establishment of a primary health care system emphasising health screening will be conductive to the health of the medically underserved rural populace.