Digital Agency and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Inspect Smartphone My Number Card Pilot Project
Tokyo, Japan – August 5, 2025 – The Digital Agency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, today announced the successful inspection of a pilot project enabling the use of smartphones as My Number cards for health insurance purposes. The visit, led by Digital Minister Hirai and Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Fukuoka, underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enhance public services and streamline healthcare access for citizens.
The pilot project, a significant step towards realizing the government’s vision of a fully digitized society, allows individuals to present their My Number card information via their smartphones when seeking medical treatment. This initiative aims to eliminate the need for carrying physical cards and offers a more convenient and secure method for verifying health insurance eligibility.
During the inspection, ministers were briefed on the technical infrastructure and operational procedures of the pilot. They observed firsthand how the system facilitates the secure transmission of personal health insurance data from a user’s smartphone to healthcare providers. Key aspects of the demonstration included the user-friendly interface of the dedicated application, the robust security measures in place to protect sensitive personal information, and the seamless integration with existing medical systems.
Minister Hirai expressed his optimism about the project’s potential, stating, “This pilot project represents a crucial milestone in our efforts to create a more convenient and accessible healthcare system for all Japanese citizens. By embracing digital solutions like the smartphone My Number card, we are not only simplifying administrative processes but also empowering individuals with greater control over their health information.”
Minister Fukuoka echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact on both patients and healthcare providers. “We are committed to modernizing our healthcare system to better serve the needs of our aging population and to improve the overall efficiency of medical services. This initiative, by making health insurance verification simpler and more intuitive, will undoubtedly contribute to a more patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery.”
The pilot project has been carefully designed to address potential challenges, including ensuring accessibility for individuals who may not be tech-savvy and guaranteeing the privacy and security of all data exchanged. Feedback gathered from participants in the pilot will be instrumental in refining the system and preparing for a wider national rollout.
The Digital Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are working collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize the benefits of this innovative approach. Further details regarding the expansion of this service are expected to be announced in the coming months, as the government continues its drive towards a more digitally enabled and citizen-centric future.
平デジタル大臣・福岡厚生労働大臣が、スマートフォンをマイナ保険証として利用可能とする実証事業を視察しました
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デジタル庁 published ‘平デジタル大臣・福岡厚生労働大臣が、スマートフォンをマイナ保険証として利用可能とする実証事業を視察しました’ at 2025-08-05 08:01. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.