Since the change in government in 2009, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan has implemented legislation for providing better medical services by listening to the opinions of the people. Here are some of the DPJ’s achievements.

[Achieved upward revision of the remuneration for medical treatment fees for the second time in a row/Maintained satisfactory operation of medical system]

The DPJ reversed the policy introduced by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito to cut 220 billion yen per year from social security expenditure. The DPJ also conducted the first upward revision of remuneration for medical treatment fees in 10 years, first in fiscal 2010 and again in fiscal 2012. These upward revisions improved the management of hospitals, enhanced working conditions for doctors and nurses, and addressed the shortage of doctors and hospitals.

[Improved measures for combating hepatitis]

On November 30, 2009, the Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures was passed and enacted at the House of Councillors. This reduced the medical fee for hepatitis treatment to 10,000 yen per month, provided free medical examinations for applicants, and added nucleic-acid analog drug treatment to the medical subsidy list. Also the Law for Special Treatment for Hepatitis B was passed and enacted at the House of Councillors on December 9, 2011. This law stipulates the payment of financial compensation for those who were infected with hepatitis B from 1948 to 1988 due to the reuse of syringes for mass vaccinations.

[Reduced burden on patients through the promotion of the use of generic medication]

Generic medication reduces medicinal costs due to its low development cost, which also leads to a reduction in the financial burden on patients and improves medical insurance finances. The DPJ promotes the use of generic medication and has set a target of making at least 30% of all medicine generic medication by fiscal 2012.

[Subsidized vaccinations to protect people from infectious diseases]

In order to ensure the good health of the people and give them peace of mind, the DPJ have made it almost free of charge to receive cervical cancer vaccinations, Hib vaccinations, and pediatric pneumococcal vaccinations until fiscal 2012.

[Ensured the number of doctors met the standard for medically advanced countries/Strengthened measures to resolve the shortage of doctors]

To resolve the shortage of doctors, especially in pediatrics, obstetrics and surgery, the DPJ increased the enrollment limit for medical colleges. Under the LDP and New Komeito administration, the number of student enrollments was 7,793 in 2008. However, since the change in government, that number has increased to 8,846 students in 2010, 8,923 in 2011, and 8,991 in 2012.

[Started a 24 hour home nursing care service]

In order to provide nursing care in a familiar environment for patients, the DPJ has established a 24 hour home nursing care service. Also, in order to ensure the necessary number of helpers, etc., the DPJ has raised the remuneration for care workers by 1.2% in the fiscal 2012 revision.