Japan Press Weekly

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2009 May 20 - 26 [WELFARE]

JCP calls for establishment of emergency system to address H1N1 flu infections

The Japanese Communist Party on May 19 demanded that Prime Minister Aso Taro take emergency measures against the spread of the new strain of influenza (H1N1). As of May 19, the number of people infected with the flu virus reached 190 in Japan.

The JCP emphasized the need to reinforce the counseling staff at the Fever Counseling Centers throughout the country, provide hotlines for the potential for the H1N1 flu, and extend the centers’ hours, and take emergency financial measures to help local governments.

It stressed the need to take financial measures to help establish more high-fever outpatient units at hospitals and to provide financial assistance as well as medicines and other materials so that they can also respond to the need for emergency care for flu patients.

In order to deal with the present situation in which many nurses or healthcare professionals have to take care of their own children due to temporary closings of childcare centers and elementary schools, the JCP suggested that the government help medical institutions set up their own daycare facilities.

The JCP requested that an emergency insurance card be issued to those who are currently not covered by national health insurance and that the burden of medical costs be reduced so that low-come earners can go to see a doctor when developing flu-like symptoms.