The Japanese government is reportedly considering a policy that would exclude chronic psychiatric cases from inpatient treatment. This move is believed to be part of an attempt to prioritize resources for acute and severe cases. It isn't clear when the proposal will be formally made, but discussion is currently ongoing among governmental officials and medical professionals. The disclosed details of the policy have sparked a nationwide debate on mental health care provision.

In Japan, mental health care often involves long-term inpatient treatment, particularly for chronic cases. The proposed change indicates a shift towards a more Western style of mental health care, focusing on outpatient services. This is a sensitive issue in Japanese society, where the stigma around mental illness still prominently exists and the balance between patient rights, quality of care, and available resources is a continuous challenge.

In the US and EU, the focus is usually on outpatient care and community-based programs for psychiatric patients unless the severity of the condition warrants inpatient treatment. Long-term psychiatric hospital admissions are less common and are often seen as a last resort. This push in Japan towards aligning with Western-style care indicates a global shift in the approach to mental health.