Japan to Raise Main Portion of Medical Service Fees by 3.09 Pct

Tokyo, Dec. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japan will raise the main portion of government-set medical service fees, which mainly covers labor costs for medical workers, by 3.09 pct in fiscal 2026, it was learned Friday. The hike is significantly larger than the 0.88 pct increase in the previous revision in fiscal 2024 and the biggest since the 3.4 pct increase in fiscal 1996. The move is aimed at helping medical institutions struggling to stay afloat amid inflation. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and health minister Kenichiro Ueno reached a broad agreement on the health minister’s proposal in a meeting at the prime minister’s office. The government is expected to formally adopt the hike in the first half of next week. Medical service fees, which are covered by public health insurance programs, comprise the main portion and official drug prices. They are the primary source of income for medical institutions and are reviewed every two years. Many medical institutions have struggled with inflation and wage hikes in recent years, prompting related organizations to call for a substantial fee increase. The 3.09 pct hike in the main portion is expected to cover rising prices of medical equipment in addition to higher labor costs. In contrast, official drug prices will be reduced by around 0.8 pct as they are currently higher than market prices. Overall, medical service fees will be increased for the first time since the fiscal 2014 revision. After the revision is finalized, the Central Social Insurance Medical Council, which advises the health minister, will discuss fees for each medical procedure, aiming to reach a conclusion next February. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]