On the 29th, organizations of atomic bomb survivors met with Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Takemi regarding the certification of atomic bomb diseases among those exposed to the atomic bombs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and called for an urgent review of certification standards in light of the current situation where the atomic bomb survivors are aging. I did.
On the 29th, members of the Japan Hidankyo (Japan Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Victims Association) and the legal team seeking recognition of atomic bomb disease met with Minister Takemi at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
A-bomb survivors are concerned about the current review of the A-bomb disease certification system, which provides special medical allowances, as there have been a number of court decisions in which A-bomb survivors who were not certified by the government have been recognized as suffering from A-bomb disease. I pointed out that there was a problem with the method.
Considering the current situation where the average age of atomic bomb survivors is over 85 and the aging of the population is progressing, he said, ``There are some atomic bomb survivors who are no longer able to continue their trials, and it is problematic from a humanitarian perspective to make them suffer any longer.'' '' and called for an immediate review of the certification standards.
In response, Minister Takemi stated, ``It is extremely difficult to review certification standards in the absence of new scientific knowledge,'' indicating that the review will continue based on the current policy.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, as of the end of March last year, there were a total of 113,649 people nationwide who had A-bomb Survivor Health Handbooks, but 5,656 people were recognized as having atomic bomb illnesses and were receiving special medical allowances. I am.
After the discussion, Hiromi Tanaka, a representative member of the Nippon Hidankyo, said, ``Although they answered politely, the conclusion was that there was nothing in response.However, it is an opportunity to meet and talk directly with the minister, so we should not give up.'' I want to continue appealing."