JAL Doctor

Japan Airlines (JAL) to introduce a registration system for doctors

With the trend of air travel clearly on the rise — and, so too, the ageing population of the world — the introduction of a registry of practicing medical physicians makes good sense.

Because, quite simply:

“The purpose of launching this system is to promptly provide a suddenly sick passenger with first aid by the registered doctor on board.”

I know of no other airline that has publicly embarked on such an initiative (yet).

Much thanks is owed to technology and circumstance:

Following the recent issuance of Medical Doctor Qualification Certificate (IC card) certifying one’s qualification as a medical doctor, JAL is pleased to work with JMA to develop a new registration system aiming to protect public health and provide support for safe and secure air transport. The JAL Doctor Registration System was created in response to JMA’s proposal.

It is common knowledge that Japan has an ageing population problem. Hence, it should be to no one’s surprise that JMA (Japan Medical Association) had put forward such ideals to be addressed.

JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) members with Medical Doctor Qualification Certificate are encouraged to register in this system on the JMB website. With their registrations in this system, JAL flight attendants will be able to directly ask the registered doctor on board to provide first aid to passengers who become sick accidentally. This new system will further enhance the airline’s capability to ensure the provision of more prompt and appropriate medical treatment if sick related issue happened during the flights.

The JMB database would be — at this initial stage — a good way to ascertain such information, and provide a gauge on its further and continual development, which can only be a good thing.

While it is not uncommon for cabin crew to request for medical personnel during a flight should a warranting situation arise, an on-board tablet or smart device — which will usually serve as a portal for an airline’s passenger information system — would provide the knowledge of possible individual/s to approach should the need ever arise.

Furthermore, should the passenger profile allow for medical-related details, the congruity of information can be valuable to the respective flight crew, specifically when dealing with travellers possibly requiring specific needs.

Kinny tweets aviation, social media and technology on Twitter.