G-20 Ministers Vow to Provide Medical Services to All People

Osaka, June 28 (Jiji Press)--Finance and health ministers from the Group of 20 major economies agreed Friday to work together to provide health and medical services to all people in developing countries regardless of income levels. The agreement was reached at the first joint meeting of the G-20 finance and health ministers in the western Japan city of Osaka. In developing countries, an infectious disease could kill many people as most of them have no access to basic health services. In 1961, Japan introduced a universal health care system, which helped its high economic growth. Against this background, Japan claims that it is important for developing countries to introduce a social security system at an early stage of their economic development. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said the joint conference will be held regularly at the request of some countries. END