A comprehensive bill to support people with hepatitis B and C, along with an attached statement recognizing the government's liability in spreading infections via tainted blood products, cleared the Diet on Monday.
The Upper House passed the lawmaker-sponsored bill even though the Liberal Democratic Party, the largest opposition force, is boycotting Diet proceedings and thus abstained from voting, even though the LDP put the bill in motion when it was still in power.
The law, to be enacted Jan. 1, will promote research for treatment of hepatitis as well as provide financial support for patients.