Multilingual Medical Consultation Services Now Free of Charge

AMDA International Medical Information Center

AMDA International Medical Information Center (Tokyo) will begin offering multilingual medical consultations free of charge via a toll-free number (0120-339-266) starting April 1, 2026. Additionally, from mid-April 2026, consultations will also be available through LINE voice calls, accommodating users with data-only communication devices. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers to medical access not only related to language but also to call charges and communication methods, enabling more individuals of foreign origin to receive appropriate medical care. ■ Background: Beyond Language, Barriers to Medical Access The number of foreign residents in Japan continues to grow. However, accessing medical institutions presents complex challenges beyond language, including differences in healthcare systems and lack of information. While the Center has previously provided multilingual medical consultations and remote medical interpretation free of charge (consultation and interpretation fees), cases were observed where individuals could not receive support due to: ・Hesitation to consult due to concerns about call charges. ・Inability to use phone services with data-only devices.

This Initiative: Expanding the Access Route Itself In response to these "final barriers," this initiative redesigns the consultation access route itself. ① Introduction of Toll-Free Number (Free Call Charges) ・0120-339-266 ※ The previous number (03-6233-9266) will remain available. By making call charges free in addition to consultation and interpretation fees, consultations can be accessed without financial burden. ② Consultation via LINE Calls (Starting Mid-April) ・Supports users with data SIMs and Wi-Fi environments only. ・Voice calls only (chat consultations are not available). This addresses the diverse smartphone usage environments and removes restrictions based on communication methods. ③ Change of Phone Number for Support Staff and Medical Institutions ・Direct Office Number: 090-3359-8324 This number is for consultations and interpretation requests from municipalities, support organizations, and medical institutions. ■ Service Overview ・Multilingual Medical Consultation: Weekdays 10:00 - 16:00 ・Remote Medical Interpretation: Weekdays 10:00 - 15:00 Languages Supported: Easy Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, etc. Services include guidance to medical institutions based on symptoms and region, appointment coordination via three-way calls, and provision of medical interpretation. ■ Social Significance This initiative aims to integrate foreign healthcare not as a special service, but as part of the social safety net. By making calls free and supporting LINE calls, access becomes possible for groups who were previously difficult to reach, leading to a more effective support system for both medical and support institutions. ■ Future Outlook Moving forward, the Center will strengthen collaboration with local governments, international exchange associations, and medical institutions to further expand consultation routes and raise awareness, aiming to realize "medical support that reliably reaches those in need." ■ Organization Overview AMDA International Medical Information Center, NPO Location: Tokyo Business Activities: Multilingual Medical Consultation, Remote Medical Interpretation URL: https://amdamedicalcenter.com d155158-6-2e4d5c57a4d169dba76143ea4164c4b8.pdfAMDA International Medical Information Center, NPO This organization provides medical information via telephone and remote medical interpretation (phone/web conferencing) to non-Japanese speakers (foreigners) living or temporarily staying in Japan, helping them connect with appropriate medical care beyond language and cultural barriers. Consultation and interpretation services are free. Founded in 1991, it became an NPO in 2001.