The MEDIPAL Group is a distribution group that connects manufacturers with medical institutions and retailers in the areas of medication, health, and beauty. Currently, through its more than 300 offices, the Group provides services to approximately 230,000 medical institutions and other facilities throughout Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. In order to support the health of people living in various communities, the Group collaborates with pharmaceutical manufacturers to conduct nationwide disease awareness activities for rare diseases targeting medical institutions.

• Awareness activities aimed at increasing the diagnosis rate of under-recognized diseases

  The MEDIPAL Group conducts activities to raise awareness of diseases that are not well recognized (mainly rare diseases). We aim for the early diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases by connecting patients suspected of having such diseases to medical specialists using a questionnaire to confirm symptoms leading to the discovery of the disease.
  Furthermore, by requesting the placement of disease awareness posters and leaflets in hospital waiting rooms, we are working to raise awareness of such diseases and encourage early diagnosis.

  

• Providing information on rare diseases

  The MEDIPAL Group implements development aid for orphan drugs and supports pharmaceutical companies using marketing measures. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for the patients and their families suffering from diseases without established treatment.

  As part of this effort, we have established “RD-MR (Rare Disease MR)” (rare disease medical representatives) who specialize in information activities for rare disease medication, and are working at medical settings.
  RD-MRs provide, collect, report, and communicate information on the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases and the proper use of medications, mainly medical specialists at hospitals.

  

• Activities to provide comprehensive information related to women’s health

  The MEDIPAL Group aims to create a society in which women suffering from dysmenorrhea, infertility, menopausal disorders, etc. can feel free to consult with obstetricians and gynecologists.
  In April 2022, as a first step toward this goal, we have established “the Women’s Coordinator” specialized in female-specific health issues who is responsible for delivering comprehensive information to medical facilities on pharmaceuticals related to women’s health, as well as disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and we are initiating these activities throughout Japan.
  Symptoms unique to women, such as excessive menstrual periods, may be hiding an unexpected disease. The women's coordinators will continue to contribute to women's health by conducting disease awareness activities, including those for rare diseases.