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

Plaintiffs call for state relief for all patients infected with hepatitis virus

On June 22, the day after the Osaka District Court ordered the government to compensate plaintiffs for their infection of the hepatitis C virus from tainted blood products, plaintiffs and lawyers of the Osaka case and other similar lawsuits made representations to the Health Ministry and Diet members of various parties calling for relief measures for all patients infected with the hepatitis virus.

In front of the Health Ministry, Osaka plaintiff Takeda Seiko said, "We have to spend several million yen to be treated with interferon. We request the government to take measures so that all hepatitis patients can receive medical treatment without anxiety."

The petitioners who visited Japanese Communist Party Upper House members Koike Akira and Nihi Sohei requested their efforts for a prompt establishment of a measure to give relief to all patients. They said that it must be set up without delay because patients' health worsens day by day.

Koike said, "The Osaka ruling clearly recognized the responsibility of the government and the drug maker. This provides a foothold for establishing a relief system to all patients with hepatitis virus." He added that the JCP requested the committee chair to hold an emergency meeting while the Diet is currently adjourned.
- Akahata, June 23, 2006