Japan Press Weekly

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2010 February 17 - 23 [WELFARE]

JCP Koike talks with head of local medical association

Koike, who is also a doctor, has had nine similar meetings with heads of local medical and dental associations in Tokyo.

He introduced the JCP’s medical proposals, including the establishment of government measures in support of local practitioners and medium- and small-sized private medical facilities. “Japan’s medical expenditure is much lower than that of European countries. Medical costs that patients have to pay at hospitals must be reduced from the current 30 percent,” he stressed.

Akaeda Tsuneo, the Minato Ward Medical Association head, said that in his ward nearly 40 percent of people are in arrears with the National Health Insurance premium payments. “If you don’t have money, you cannot obtain medical services. This is outrageous,” he said, pointing out that requiring patients to cover 30 percent of their medical costs discourages them from going to hospital for treatment.

The local medical association representatives expressed concern over an increase in the consumption tax rate as financial resources for education and medical programs. Pointing out that raising the consumption tax would further discourage consumers to spend and actually lead to a decrease in tax revenues, Koike stated that the vast amount of military expenditures as well as generous tax breaks for major pharmaceutical firms and other big companies must be revised.

“Using tax money for medical and social welfare programs will increase job opportunities as well as lead to a boost in consumption and help revitalize economy,” he added.
- Akahata, February 18, 2010