8　胎児性水俣病世代の未認定患者への　補償と福祉

抄録

In all, 63 years have passed since the official recognition of the Minamata disease, but its problems still remain unresolved. After clarifying the historical formation process behind the problems and the structural discrimination executed by the national government and the perpetrator, Chisso, I have proposed a new system, which I believe will significantly contribute to peace studies.

In this study, I have investigated the real-life conditions of an uncertified patient of the fetal Minamata disease generation on the basis of his life history and support circumstances. Owing to his aggravating symptoms, declining of ADL, and the aging of his family, the patient and his family are now facing nursing-related issues. My study aims at elucidating the shortcomings of the national governmentʼs certification system and the issues in the Minamata Cityʼs social welfare system.

In Section 1, I have summarized the status and conditions of patients with fetal and infantile Minamata disease and discussed uncertified patients. Further, I have reported the characteristics of the patients diagnosed with Minamata disease.

In Section 2, I have examined the cityʼs welfare systems for people with disabilities. Moreover, after officially recognizing the Minamata disease, the primary issue with respect to who would shoulder the responsibility of supporting the lives of patients with Minamata disease became crucial. Hence, Hashimoto Hikoshichi, the then mayor, appealed to the national government to shoulder the responsibility of these patients; however, this appeal was not accepted. Therefore, Minamata City was compelled to open Meisuien, a privately operated public facility. Furthermore, I have interviewed uncertified patients of the fetal Minamata disease patient generation and their families to comprehend their social environments.

In Section 3, Table 2 illustrates the numerous challenges encountered by Minamata City. I have introduced two events that make it difficult to maintain athome life with the welfare service for disabled people. I then highlight the harsh conditions that people with disabilities, including uncertified patients, face under Minamataʼs welfare system, alongside struggling to maintain their lives at home. In addition, I have concluded the study by providing an assessment of the Minamata disease certification system and suggesting improvements in the welfare service to resolve the issues related to Minamata disease.