TOKYO. KAZINFORM An expert organization on Monday proposed that the Japanese government end the loose rollout of COVID-19 vaccines administered as a special measure, raising concerns about a further deterioration in its fiscal health, which is already one of the worst among major economies, KYODO reports. .
The Ministry of Finance, which convened an assembly of the Tax System Council subcommittee, also said that the COVID-19 vaccine inoculation program will be normalized as other people have started living with the coronavirus as part of their daily lives and social and industry restrictions. Activities have been lifted.
The government has spent about 17 trillion yen ($115. 55 billion) to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, with additional spending to secure hospital beds and offer loose vaccines.
In fiscal year 2021 ending in March this year, Japan, with a population of 125 million, administered 257 million coronavirus vaccines, which meant 2. 3 trillion yen. Each vaccine shot costs about 9,600 yen.
During its discussions, the ministry said that, as with seasonal flu and other infectious diseases, those who wish to be vaccinated pay a portion of the costs.
He also said that COVID-19 antigen verification kits that the government has purchased for loose distribution will now be provided through the personal sector.
Since vaccine development efforts through Japanese companies have not borne fruit, despite a government’s investment of around 500 billion yen, the ministry said each company’s studies and development capacity deserve to be “sufficiently reviewed. “
Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, has set a goal of darkening the number one balance, or tax revenue minus non-debt-servicing expenses, through fiscal 2025.
But hopes for a fiscal recovery are waning, given recent value increases amid the Ukraine crisis, plus rising social security costs, the addition of pensions and fitness services, as a result of the country’s aging population.
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