medical_reform

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

Bill to adversely revise medical services rammed through Lower House committee

In disregard of mounting criticism from healthcare workers and the public, the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties on May 17 used their majority to force a bill to set back the medical service system through the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Labor, and Welfare.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference held on the same day denounced this outrageous act saying, "I lodge a strong protest against the ruling parties' steamrolling the bill through without sufficiently discussing publicly."

Shii pointed out that the bill imposing heavier burdens on mainly senior citizens will restrain them from visiting doctors.

He also argued that the introduction of "mixed-medical services" to expand out-of-insurance treatment will destroy the universal health insurance system.

Criticizing the LDP and Komei parties for failing to give necessary explanations to the public, which is concerned that the bill will give negative impact on people's health and lives, Shii said, "It's absolutely unacceptable. The JCP demands that the bill be sent back to the committee to be further discussed."

Outside of the Diet building, 60 people were taking part in a sit-in protest that has taken place for 18 consecutive days against the mal-revision of medical services. When the forcible passage of the bill was announced, about 350 workers and citizens who were converging in front of the Diet raised their voices in anger.

Democratic organizations, such as the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), the Japan Federation of Medical Workers' Unions (Iroren), and the Japan Federation of Democratic Medical Institutions (Min-Iren) issued statements of protest.
- Akahata, May 18, 2006