Japan Press Weekly

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2011 October 12 - 18 TOP3 [ECONOMY]

Medical experts at DPJ’s meeting criticize entry into TPP

Executive members of Japan’s 3 major healthcare professionals’ associations expressed objections to an entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement at a study meeting held by Democratic Party of Japan Dietmembers on October 12.

Expressing strong concern over the government plan to participate in the TPP, Japan Medical Association Vice President Dr. Nakagawa Toshio criticized the participation as the “ultimate deregulation.”

Nakagawa stressed that if Japan enters into the TPP free-trade pact, the existing ban on mixed medical services will be completely removed, which will lead to the opening of Japan’s healthcare market to foreign countries and destruction of the present universal healthcare insurance system. “Japan’s entry into the TPP will create a society in which people cannot receive necessary medical services due to low income. The medical association works hard to protect the current public health insurance system,” said Nakagawa.

Japan Pharmaceutical Association Vice President Nanaumi Akira worried about the ability to ensure the safety of medicine under the TPP agreement. He also said, “Establishing a universal healthcare insurance system is required by Article 25 of the Japanese Constitution. Is it necessary for Japan to enter the TPP at the cost of distorting the spirit of the Constitution?”

The Japan Dental Association vice president also expressed deep anxiety.

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Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko on October 11 held the first Cabinet meeting to discuss Japan’s entry into negotiations for the TPP agreement. He intends to make a decision by the annual summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in November.

On the following day at the Japan National Press Club, the head of the Central Union of Agricultural Co-operatives (JA-Zenchu) criticized the government move. JA-Zenchu President Banzai Akira stressed, “The (TPP) negotiation is problematic in terms of a danger of bringing about a drastic deterioration in the nation’s various social programs.” He announced that the JA-Zenchu plans to hold a rally opposing the TPP in Tokyo next month which will involve people of other industries such as the medical industry.

The JA-Zenchu has regularly exchanged views regarding the TPP with various organizations, including the Japan Medical Association and consumers’ groups. It collected 11.66 million signatures (as of the end of August) through its signature drive opposing Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiation.