2021 Volume 70 Issue 5 Pages 469-476
Since the Act on Medical Care and Social Supports for Patients with Intractable/Rare Diseases was enacted in 2015, fair and stable assistance for medical expenses has been established. In addition, adoption of the Act also resulted in the securing of a system for medical care provision, as well as implementation of related research and improvement of the medical treatment environment. The Amendment of the Act has been conducted since 2019, based on supplementary provision 2, which prescribes that amendment of the Act should be carried out within five years from its enaction. Through such amendment, the “submission regarding measures for Intractable Disease Measures and chronic diseases in childhood” was summarized in July 2021. This submission indicates that amendments should focus on the promotion of research and medical treatment, as well as creation of an inclusive society. Based on this submission, subsequent discussions regarding the amendment have been conducted at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The smooth enforcement of the amended system is important, through the provision of detailed explanations to related organizations, such as local governments.
