Gov't to study new medical insurance system for the elderly

Saturday 20th September, 06:40 AM JST

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4 Comments

realist at 01:08 PM JST - 20th September

The recently introduced "healthcare" (sic) system introduced in Japan for the elderly is a disgrace to any "civilized" nation. Basically, although people are now living longer, they are treated like pariahs in society, with many younger people quietly hoping they will get sick and die off, so that they wont be a financial burden to society. This is not just a problem in Japan - it is worse in the UK, where older people are actually discriminated against by the National Health "Service" (sic) there. Much needed drugs and other treatments are witheld from the elderly, the people who have spent their lives working hard and contributing to society, only to be repaid in this foul way. Shame.
cleo at 01:12 PM JST - 20th September

realist is absolutely right. The people now being targeted by the 'not long to go anyway' so-called health insurance scheme have been paying in for decades - there should be a good healthy nest-egg accumulated for them to draw from. There isn't, because the politicians let it be spent on roads and massage chairs.
Thenewfront at 01:20 PM JST - 20th September

realist- incorrect. I have elderly relatives in the UK and Japan. they have to pay for treatment. The NHS is free, how can Btitain be worse? Only a Japanophile would think so.

Japanese politicians pick on the weakest to rais eor save money. My Japanese mother in law had her pension cut last year. If that happened in the UK, the government would be fored out with a no confidence vote.

Japans social systems are dire and useless, that includes police, healthcare and education. Anyone who thinks elderly care in the UK is worse than Japan should learn about both countries better. Many lifesaving drugs are not yet licensed in Japan. Your chances of surviving cancer inJa@pan are lower than UK.
rurika at 09:44 PM JST - 20th September

In Britain, elderly people without relatives to stand up for them are neglected and sometimes even left to starve in hospitals. Food trays are shoved in front of old people who cannot eat by themselves and there aren't any staff to help them. Good nutrition can make the difference between life and death after a serious illness or surgery.

The NHS is NOT free, it is partly paid for by deductions from your salary. Just because you don't see which exact amount of your national insurance goes towards the NHS, it doesn't mean you don't pay for it! Not to mention people who have no choice but use their life savings to pay for ops because they can't stand living in pain while on a waiting list.