Key Facts
• Japan plans to exclude OTC equivalent drugs from public insurance starting next fiscal year.
• OTC equivalent drugs are prescription medications with similar efficacy to over-the-counter drugs.
• The policy aims to reduce medical expenses, which exceeded ¥47 trillion in fiscal year 2023.
• Exclusion could save approximately ¥880 billion annually, according to a November 2024 study.
• The policy promotes self-medication for minor health issues to ensure system sustainability.
• Critics, including the Japan Medical Association, warn of increased patient costs and health risks.
• Concerns include delayed diagnoses of serious illnesses due to reduced medical visits.
• A petition with 85,000 signatures was submitted to maintain insurance coverage for certain drugs.
• The government faces challenges in defining which drugs to exclude from coverage.
• The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare plans to finalize details by the end of the year.
Summary
Japan is set to revise its public insurance policy by excluding OTC equivalent drugs, aiming to curb rising medical costs and promote self-medication for minor ailments. While the move could save ¥880 billion annually, it has sparked concerns over increased patient expenses and potential health risks, such as missed diagnoses of serious conditions. Critics, including the Japan Medical Association, argue that the policy disproportionately affects economically disadvantaged patients and could create healthcare disparities. The government is working to determine which drugs will be excluded, with final decisions expected by year-end.
