Japan Finance Ministry calls for review of 'metabolic syndrome checkup' support
TOKYO -- Japan's Finance Ministry proposed reviewing administrative support, including possible termination, for specific health checkups and guidance
Japan's Finance Ministry is proposing a review of support for metabolic syndrome health checkups and guidance, citing limited impact on reducing medical costs and high public spending. The flagship measures, carried out since 2008 for individuals aged 40 to 74, involve evaluating waist circumference and body mass index to provide medical advice.
The Finance Ministry estimates the national financial support for the checkups and guidance at 17.5 billion yen in the fiscal 2026 budget, rising to 30.7 billion yen when local government costs are included. However, the Ministry of Health estimates the impact on medical costs reduction to be only around 12 billion yen per year.
The Finance Ministry argues that disease prevention and health promotion are crucial, but a shift towards measures with higher cost-effectiveness is needed. Additionally, the ministry suggested requiring welfare recipients without My Number cards for medical visits to pay a fee, as fewer than 50% have registered, making it difficult to identify those making excessive visits and causing additional administrative costs.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
