Japan's govt urged on preventive medicine

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan has urged the Japanese government "to focus on prevention, early prediction and diagnosis by promoting patient access to the latest pharmaceutical products, medical technologies and services" in its position statement titled, "Focus on Prevention and Early Detection," compiled by the Healthcare Committee of the ACCJ.

The ACCJ has already submitted a statement to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and the Cabinet Office. In this, the Chamber stressed that focusing on prevention and early detection of diseases can not only improve quality of life for patients, and increase the productivity of working people, but also save various costs in the overall health care system.

Pointing out that "Japan's health care system does not cover screening for preventive measures such as vaccination and elimination of serious health risk factors such as obesity are not covered by the current health insurance system," the ACCJ wants the government to improve the situation by "broadening prevention policies in Japan to include wellness and preventive care programs for infants, children, adults and the elderly." The ACCJ position statement has been welcomed by the Japan representative of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Ira Wolf.