The laws passed last week by the Diet to curb the growth in the nation's medical spending testify to the government's determination to solve the problem. While the laws include positive elements, they are not problem-free. The government needs to continuously review the nation's medical system. Rationalizing medical services will be important. At the same time, utmost care should be taken so that the people will be able to receive satisfactory medical services at a reasonable cost.
The reform program under the laws take a two-prong approach. One will increase the financial burden on elderly patients and on those who receive expensive medical treatments. Medical services for elderly people, usually costly, are pushing up medical expenditures.
The other prong beefs up measures aimed at curbing future rises in medical spending. Starting in April 2008, every person aged 40 or older must undergo a medical test. Those with metabolic syndromes that may lead to lifestyle-related diseases, such as some types of diabetes and cancer, will be given advice. One worry is that the compulsory medical test will push up medical expenditures. Health workers who can help people with metabolic syndromes will have to be trained.