MHLW Minister Says Pharmaceuticals Companies Should Apologize For Hepatitis C Victims
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
The compensation package for hepatitis C patients who used contaminated blood products takes effect on January 16. At a press briefing announcing the news, Japan's Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Yoichi Masuzoe pointed out that the primary responsibility lies with drug makers, and they should reflect on their roles in the contaminations and apologize. "I expect them to take appropriate responsibilities since the drug makers are not included in the basic agreement package," Masuzoe said. He also urged the pharmaceutical companies to work with the government to resolve the problem.Regarding the compensation cost share by the government and drug companies, Masuzoe said drug companies should contribute two-thirds of the cost, and the government should cover one-third, but concrete numbers are still in negotiations. (Click here for more