Political arm of dental association has donated to LDP, DPJ, and Komei politicians 2.1 billion yen

The political action committee of the Japan Dental Association (JDA) gave about 2.17 billion yen in political donations to politicians of the Liberal Democratic, Democratic, and Komei parties in the three years since 2000.

These donations were paid from health insurance payments.

Akahata of February 8 reported that the Japan Dentists Federation (JDF), the political arm of the JDA, made political donations to 107 politicians of the LDP, two of the Komei, and six of the DPJ as well as LDP-affiliated organizations.

Dentist-turned politician Yoshida Yukihiro, former LDP member of the Lower House, received 117.5 million yen, more money than any other Dietmembers. The Tokyo Prosecutors Office is now investigating the JDF regarding the money given to Yoshida on suspicion of violation of the Political Funds Control Law.

There has long been criticism within the JDF of its political practices. A dentist in Saitama Prefecture complained, "JDA members are automatically forced to join the JDF and to become LDP members." Another said, "Our political activities should be for the betterment of dental treatment in the interests of patients, not for the LDP."

A survey conducted by the Japanese Medical and Dental Practitioners for Improvement of Medical Care shows that more than half of dentists "feel forced" to support and give political donations to the LDP. (end)