Increased deaths at home, etc. To establish a trial base for investigating the cause of death in some local governments

As the population ages and the number of people dying in places other than hospitals, such as at home, is increasing, the national government has set up a trial base for investigating the cause of death in collaboration with police, medical associations, and forensic classrooms at universities. We have decided to strengthen the system.

Due to the aging of the population, there are a number of cases of isolated death without being noticed by others, and many people die from worsening symptoms at home after the spread of the new coronavirus infection.

Under the current Japanese system, if there is no incident, the cause of death is rarely investigated in detail, so the national government has decided to set up a base for investigating the cause of death in some local governments on a trial basis. rice field.

In collaboration with the police, the local medical association, and the forensic department of the university, we will carry out diagnostic imaging and drug tests inside the body by taking pictures of the inside of the body, and will also dissect if necessary.

Regarding the investigation of the cause of death, there have been cases where dissection was not performed and assault was overlooked, and there is also a problem that the bereaved family cannot fully accept the death because the cause of death is not clear.

In the future, the national government wants to decide on a specific local government to establish a base for investigating the cause of death, verify issues, and consider expanding it to all parts of the country in the future.

Professor Shinichi Kubo of Fukuoka University, who specializes in forensic medicine, said, "Although the number of people dying at home is increasing due to aging, the cause of death in Japan is mainly criminal investigation, and it is judged that there is no incident. If so, there is a current situation where it is not clear why the person died. "

On that basis, he said, "I hope that this will be the first step to fully verify the results and issues that have been obtained and to establish a mechanism for investigating the cause of death nationwide."