Revision of the Classification of COVID-19 Under the Infectious Diseases Control Law
May 8, 2023
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
Chairman Yasufumi Okada
Based on a comprehensive assessment of the pathogenicity, transmissibility, impact on the public, andpotential for mutation, it is no longer considered to be in a state that “poses a serious threat to the life and health of the public”—a condition required to justify restrictions on civil liberties under the Infectious Diseases Control Law. Consequently, its classification has been revised from “Novel Influenza and Other Infectious Diseases (Class 2 equivalent)” to “Class 5 Infectious Disease.”
We believe that flexibly revising classifications under the Infectious Diseases Control Law based on the characteristics of the circulating virus is essential for restoring the public’s pre-pandemic way of life.
On the other hand, while the reclassification to a Category 5 infectious disease will lead to a review of the existing healthcare delivery system and public funding mechanisms, we believe it is necessary to continue taking measures—such as ensuring the healthcare delivery system remains in place—to ensure that patients requiring treatment can receive appropriate medical care, even after the reclassification, by carefully monitoring the infection situation and the emergence of variant strains.
Drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the JPMA published “JPMA Policy Proposal 2023 [Supplement]: Preparing for Future Pandemics” in February 2023.
Along with the reclassification to Category 5, long-term and continuous policy support is needed even during peacetime, with an eye toward the next pandemic, to ensure that public awareness of the threat of infectious diseases and the importance of countermeasures never wanes.
Medicines and vaccines for infectious diseases are indispensable from the perspective of national security. However, infectious diseases represent a business area with extremely low predictability for the pharmaceutical industry; therefore, special measures—such as further government support—are necessary to ensure the survival and promotion of this sector.
For the sake of public health and for patients suffering from various diseases, we will continue to take on the challenge of developing innovative pharmaceuticals and vaccines, including those for future pandemics.
Reference
JPMA: Policy Proposal 2023 [Supplement] Preparing for Future Pandemics
Contact Information
Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Public Relations Department
- Phone
- 03-3241-0374