Japan Press Weekly

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2010 August 25 - 31 [WELFARE]

National council formed for all Hepatitis patients’ relief

The council will urge the government to improve the medical care program for patients with Hepatitis B and C and provide livelihood support to them.

Japanese Communist Party representative Takahashi Chizuko (Lower House) attended the council’s inauguration and referred to the Hepatitis Countermeasure Basic Act enacted last fall.

Takahashi said, “Under the law, Hepatitis patients can receive medical and economic support services. Your council will play a significant role in the full implementation of this law.”

Council Head Murata Mitsuko is also a Hepatitis C patient. She was infected after being treated with a hemostatic product when giving birth 34 years ago.

She said, “The examination and medication cost me about 20,000 yen a month. It is too heavy for me to shoulder every month. The government should establish a system so that patients can continue with treatment and be cured.”
- Akahata, August 26, 2010