The government is seeking early implementation of insurance to cover fertility treatments, as proposed by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, and plans to greatly increase subsidies for such treatment until the insurance system is realized, said Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura on Thursday.
The ministry is currently researching the matter.
On the same day, Suga instructed Tamura to speed up efforts to accomplish the plan.
"We'll urgently discuss the safety [of treatment types] and what should be covered," Tamura said at a press conference.
The government intends to boost the subsidy for in vitro fertilization and micro-insemination -- which are not covered by health insurance -- from the current level of 300,000 yen for the first treatment and 150,000 yen for subsequent treatments.
Tamura also said the ministry will consider lowering the cost of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing for the coronavirus, which is also not covered by health insurance.
"It will affect the country's competitive force if Japan alone has a high test fee," Tamura said.
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