As Vaccine Delays Raise Voter Dissatisfaction in Japan, Suga Cabinet Pushes Emergency Approval System

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The cabinet of Yoshihide Suga in Japan, which faced voter dissatisfaction due to delays in COVID-19 vaccines, is expected to push for institutional reforms to expedite vaccine approval in emergencies.

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 31st, the Japanese government is reportedly reviewing a draft of the "Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform" (Basic Policy), which includes the content that "the method of domestic clinical trials or vaccine approval during emergencies will be reviewed within the year, and legislative measures will be considered."

The newspaper speculated that the Japanese government is likely to consider measures such as establishing an "emergency use authorization" system, modeled after the U.S. approach, which allows emergency use if there is data demonstrating the vaccine's efficacy.

The Basic Policy is also expected to reflect plans to strengthen support for the development of domestically produced vaccines.

The Asahi Shimbun added that regarding vaccine approval, there is deep-rooted caution among the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which is responsible for medical policy, and medical professionals, and that discussions on the Basic Policy may face difficulties.

The Japanese government also plans to include in the Basic Policy measures to strengthen the authority of the government and local governments, such as designating hospitals to accommodate patients in cases where the medical system is at risk of collapse.

The Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, also known as the "Honebuto (Bone) Policy," serves as a kind of guideline for fiscal management and budget formulation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.