Review of the classification of new strains of coronaviruses under the Infectious Disease Control Law
May 08, 2023
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Chairman Yasushi Okada
Based on a comprehensive judgment of its pathogenicity, infectivity, impact on the public, and potential for mutation, the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is not considered to be a condition that "may seriously affect the lives and health of the public" commensurate with the restriction of private rights under the Infectious Disease Control Law, and therefore, it has been designated a "new type Infectious diseases such as influenza (equivalent to category 2)" were revised to "category 5 infectious diseases" from "category 5 infectious diseases.
We believe that it is important to review the classification under the Infectious Diseases Control Law flexibly based on the characteristics of the prevalent strains of viruses in order to restore the life of the people before the pandemic.
On the other hand, the existing medical care delivery system and public expenditure support system will be reviewed as a result of the revision to Category 5 Infectious Diseases, and we believe that it is necessary to continue to take measures such as securing the medical care delivery system so that patients who need treatment can receive appropriate medical care after carefully assessing the infection situation and the occurrence of mutant strains. We believe that it is necessary to continue to take measures such as securing the medical care delivery system so that patients who need treatment can receive appropriate medical care.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) published "PMAJ Policy Recommendations 2023 [Addendum] Preparing for Future Pandemics" in February 2023, drawing on lessons learned from the recent pandemic of new coronavirus infection.
Along with the review to Class 5, the public awareness of the threat of infectious diseases and measures against infectious diseases must never wane. In order to ensure that the public's awareness of the threat of infectious diseases and countermeasures against infectious diseases never fades, long-term and continuous policy support is necessary, even in times of peace, in anticipation of the next pandemic.
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines for infectious diseases are essential from the perspective of national security. However, infectious diseases are an area where the pharmaceutical industry has very little predictability as a business, and special measures, such as further support from the government, are necessary to sustain business and promote industry in this area.
We will continue to take on the challenge of developing innovative drugs and vaccines, including the development of vaccines and therapeutics for future pandemics, for the sake of the health of the people and patients suffering from various diseases.
The End
Reference
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