Japan's First 'Online Medical Consultation Facility Association' Established to Promote and Develop Facilities Under Revised Medical Practitioners' Act

The General Incorporated Association for Online Medical Consultation Facilities (Location: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Masatoshi Ishikawa) commenced its activities on April 1, 2026.

■ Background of Establishment

While the adoption of online medical consultations is progressing, the development of an environment where patients can receive consultations with peace of mind is still insufficient. The demand for 'consultation facilities' where patients can receive online medical consultations outside their homes is expected to grow in the future, but currently, there are no unified standards regarding communication environments, privacy protection, hygiene management, identity verification, and other related aspects.

Furthermore, with the revised Medical Practitioners' Act, which will come into effect in April 2026, 'online medical consultation facilities' will be established, allowing patients to receive consultations in an environment outside their homes where communication and privacy are secured.

In light of these legal revisions, our association, as Japan's first industry organization specializing in solving issues related to the establishment of consultation facilities and the development of consultation environments, will contribute to the healthy development of related industries through private sector-led dissemination and awareness of consultation facilities, establishment of certification systems, research, and sharing of case studies.

■ Main Activity Policies

・Formulation of quality standards for consultation facilities, etc.

・Planning and operation of a certification system

・Related research

・Policy recommendations

・Promotion of collaboration with relevant ministries, medical institutions, and related businesses

■ Profiles of Key Directors

Representative Director: Masatoshi Ishikawa, M.D., Ph.D. (Healthcare Management). After graduating from the University of Tsukuba School of Medicine, he engaged in healthcare management advisory at KPMG Healthcare Japan Co., Ltd. He served as an Associate Professor at the International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, Assistant Manager of the General Affairs Division, Medical Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and a Takemi Fellow at Harvard University. Currently, he is a Specially Appointed Professor at Tokyo Healthcare University and the founder of Mame Clinic Group. He possesses expertise spanning clinical, administrative, and management fields.

Director: Toki Kawase, Attorney (Tokyo Bar Association). Graduated from the University of Tokyo School of Law. Representative Attorney at Monolith Law Office. Specializing in IT and internet law, he is also well-versed in legal issues in the digital health domain. His book 'Digital Tattoo' served as the original story for an NHK Saturday drama.

■ Corporate Overview