Hospitals in Japan are now allowed to charge cancellation fees. This decision comes in the wake of numerous no-show incidents that have led to financial losses for several medical institutions. The new policy aims to establish a more rigid cancellation system and prompt patients to take their appointments more seriously. Specific details regarding how much can be charged and how the process will be implemented are yet to be confirmed.

In Japan, most healthcare costs are covered by national health insurance, with patients only paying a small portion out of pocket. Therefore, a new charge such as a cancellation fee is a significant change and could be viewed as a burden by some people. Additionally, medical institutions have seen severe financial setbacks due to a spate of clinic and hospital appointments canceled without prior notification, causing both economic and operational issues.

In the US and EU, many medical establishments already charge cancellation fees. These are generally viewed as necessary to maintain the smooth functioning of healthcare services and to divert patients' commitment to the appointments they make. This recent move by Japan is more aligned with global norms.