26 million signatures collected in opposition to adverse revision of medical insurance system

Some 26 million people or one fifth of Japan's population have signed the petition in opposition to the bill to adversely revise the medical insurance system, which the three ruling parties intend to pass through the House of Representatives Plenary Session on June 21.

In Nagano Prefecture, 161 company presidents have collected 3,790 signatures. They said, "It's impossible for company employees and elderly people to pay more for medical treatment. Wages of my company employees haven't been raised for these several years. Wasteful public works projects should be cut and welfare for the people be improved."

About 600 local assemblies, including Kyoto and six other prefectural assemblies, have adopted statements demanding the bill not be enacted.

The public opinion survey conducted by the TV Asahi Network showed that 57.8 percent of the respondents opposed the bill, calling it "the most undesirable bill."

The Central Council for Promotion of Social Security consisting of 40 trade unions and citizens organizations which promoted the signature collection have organized 280 local branches in all 47 prefectures. The movement for defending people's living conditions and maintaining the present medical insurance system is rapidly expanding.

About 40 people went to the House of Representatives on June 20 to make representations to the parties and Dietmembers. One of them said, "The Diet must hear our voices. We won't allow such a bad bill to be railroaded through." (end)