Japan's First National Organization For Children Requiring Constant Medical Care
Children who need constant medical care and their families have launched Japan's first national organization that will ask the government to enhance its assistance for them.
The organization will submit proposals to the central and local governments. It will also hold exchange events for children and their families and work to raise public awareness.
Medical advances have helped to save the lives of more children than in the past. But this has also led to a rising number of children who require constant medical procedures during their daily lives, such as phlegm suction and support with artificial respirators.
A government research group estimates that the country currently has more than 19,000 such children. In many areas around the country, they have not been entitled to receive sufficient support in their schooling and daily lives.
An online ceremony took place on Sunday to mark the foundation of the national organization, which consists of children and adults who need constant medical attention as well as their families and supporters.
One participant in the ceremony said the organization will connect activities that have been carried out separately in local areas. Another said it will call for greater assistance to improve the wellbeing of children.
Representative Miyazoe Kazuho has a 9-year-old son who needs a ventilator.
She said the organization will be able to convey to society the voices of families who have been busy looking after their children and at a loss to whom they should explain their issues to change their situations.
Miyazoe said the organization will help realize better living conditions for children and their families.