health

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP criticizes health ministry's medical insurance reform plan

The Japanese health ministry on October 19 unveiled a tentative medical reform plan that calls for shifting a heavier burden onto elderly people aged 65 and older. This plan will be used as the discussion paper in preparation for submitting a bill in the next Ordinary Session of the Diet that opens in January.

The plan, put forward as part of Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro's "structural reforms," calls for drastic cuts in medical insurance payouts in response to the demand of business circles.

Under the plan, elderly patients will be forced to pay more for medical services they receive. Elderly inpatients will be forced to pay the full cost of beds and meals.

The Japanese Communist Party published a statement by Koike Akira, head of the JCP Policy Commission, stating, "We oppose such a major adverse reform that would undermine the institution protecting lives and public health." -- Akahata, October 20, 2005