LDP, Nippon Ishin Aiming for Early Conclusion over OTC-Like Drugs

Tokyo, Nov. 13 (Jiji Press)–Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), have agreed to reach a conclusion by year-end on a proposed hike in patients’ out-of-pocket expenses for prescription medicines similar to over-the-counter drugs. The agreement was struck at the first meeting Wednesday of a joint panel set up by the two parties for discussions on social security reform. The LDP and Nippon Ishin aim to increase patients’ costs for prescription medicines whose ingredients and effects are similar to those of OTC drugs by reviewing public health insurance coverage for such medicines. “The issue will be addressed under political leadership,” former health minister Norihisa Tamura of the LDP told reporters after the meeting. The ruling bloc is set to work on details in cooperation with the government. Social security reform aimed at reducing premium payments by working generations is part of the two parties’ coalition agreements. “We hope to moderate the natural growth (in social security costs stemming from the country’s aging population) and slow the pace of increase in working generations’ social insurance premium burdens,” Nippon Ishin lawmaker Satoshi Umemura said. The government and the ruling coalition are considering the possibility of raising patients’ out-of-pocket costs for OTC drug-like prescription medicines, which are said to be contributing to higher national medical costs. Currently, patients have to pay only 10 to 30 pct of the prices of such medicines, with the rest covered by public health insurance programs. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]