Ningen Dock – Japan's comprehensive health checkup
Associate Professor Takuji Araki, MD, PhD, Department of Radiotherapy and Diagnostic Radiology University of Yamanashi Hospital, Councilor of the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology, shared at the event: comprehensive health checkup with the Ningen Dock model is one of the three "secrets" to keeping Japanese people healthy. The other two secrets are lifestyle changes and improving the living environment.
In addition to traditional diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and X-rays, the Ningen Dock model also utilizes advanced imaging diagnostics such as PET, CT, MRI, which enable doctors to detect many diseases across multiple organs simultaneously and assess changes in organs over the years.
"The goal of Ningen Dock is to screen and detect potential health risks before symptoms appear, so that doctors can advise on lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise, or timely treatment for patients. Therefore, the value of Ningen Dock lies in improving the quality of life and increasing longevity for the population," said a Japanese associate professor.
Dr. Tran Doan Dao, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council of Bernard Healthcare and Associate Professor Takuji Araki, Department of Radiotherapy and Diagnostic Radiology University of Yamanashi Hospital at Seminar: "Application of High-tech Imaging Diagnostics in Modern Cancer Screening”
According to the latest survey on the five major cancers by the Japan Society of Ningen Dock, from 2016 to 2018 in Japan, there was that out of nearly 6.4 million people screened for lung cancer, 26.367 people were diagnosed with cancer or suspected of having cancer. Among the 5.6 million people screened for gastric cancer, 39.828 cases of cancer or suspected cancer were detected. Furthermore, out of over 6.1 million people screened for colorectal cancer, a staggering 83.587 cases of cancer or suspected cancer were identified.
Application of Ningen Dock in Vietnam
In Vietnam, Bernard Healthcare has implemented the Ningen Dock model, applying advanced imaging diagnostics such as CT scans, whole-body MRI integrated with specialized coil technology, and deep learning imaging technology (AI PACS) synchronized into the Hospital Information System (HIS), Laboratory Information System (LIS) for early cancer screening and diagnosis.
Dr. Tran Doan Dao, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council of Bernard Healthcare and former Head of the Burn - Plastic Surgery Department at Cho Ray Hospital, said: "Bernard aims to screen for dangerous diseases in the community, diagnose, and treat patients to provide them with the greatest possible benefits. To implement the Japanese Ningen Dock model, it is necessary to collaborate with medical experts domestically and internationally, along with equipment and technology systems to support diagnosis and treatment."
Bernard Healthcare has implemented the Ningen Dock model, applying advanced imaging diagnostics such as CT, MRI for early cancer screening and diagnosis. (Photo courtesy of Bernard Healthcare)
In August 2023, GE Healthcare, a leading global healthcare technology company, announced: "Bernard Healthcare to become the first GE Healthcare care pathway solution showsite in Vietnam”. Through this solution, Bernard Healthcare and University of Yamanashi Hospital connect directly in specialized fields, sharing and consulting on medical cases.
Bernard Healthcare's imaging diagnosis area has also been established within the Imaging Diagnostic Center of University of Yamanashi Hospital. Typically, Japanese hospitals almost never accept test results, clinical findings from patients transferred from elsewhere. However, with patients visiting Bernard, these results are accepted at University of Yamanashi Hospital.
Strategic Collaboration between Bernard Healthcare and University of Yamanashi Hospital
According to information from the announcement ceremony, both entities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance guidance, share medical expertise, cross-check diagnostic imaging results (MRI, CT scan), and establish a collaborative system to develop and promote medical tourism programs to Japan.
University of Yamanashi Hospital is one of Japan's public thospitals, ensuring the quality of medical examination and treatment according to national standards. Bernard Healthcare is the healthcare unit chosen by University of Yamanashi Hospital to collaborate in developing the Ningen Dock model.
"Bernard Healthcare is a specialized healthcare system with many experienced medical experts. The collaboration between the two units begins with a specialization in imaging diagnosis. I believe that in the future, there will be further developments in many fields, contributing to the advancement of Vietnam's healthcare system," shared Professor Hiroyuki Kinouchi, MD, PhD, Director of University of Yamanashi Hospital.
Professor Hiroyuki Kinouchi, MD, PhD, Director of University of Yamanashi Hospital at Announcement Ceremony
The two entities have also discussed enhancing cooperation, continuing to improve the quality of imaging diagnosis for Ningen Dock and other specialized services at Bernard, such as second opinion consultations on imaging diagnosis results (MRI, CT scan); specialist connections, online consultations for complex medical cases with clinical professors, doctors at University of Yamanashi Hospital. They also organize training sessions, international scientific workshops. Cooperation supports Vietnamese patients to receive convenient treatment at University of Yamanashi Hospital in Japan.
