From February 5-6, 2018, two research delegates from iCOOP KOREA paid a visit to Tokyo Health Co-operative Association. The purpose of the visit was to learn the significance of medical co-ops in the community, in terms of provision of medical care for local residence, the nursing care business of the co-op and its member activities.

The delegates visited Tokyo Kensei Hospital and nursing care facilities and through the practice of dental treatment the delegates learned about the importance of dental practice and preventive dentistry in the community of elderly citizens.

The following impressions were given by the researchers:

 “We realized through the visit that continuation of healthy living in the community is supported by not only providing medical and nursing care services but also organizing voluntary health promotion activities in the community.

We also felt that co-op members’ needs are incorporated into the business as well as having the feeling that co-op respects the fundamental human rights. The advantage of co-op is its ability to practice medical care that supports life in the community”.