Victims of asbestos get aid package

The government approved a comprehensive package of bills Friday to provide financial support to people suffering from asbestos-linked diseases as well as those who have lost family members to such illnesses, while also stepping up preventive measures against similar problems.
Under the package, which will be submitted to the current Diet session and is expected to be enacted later this month, the government will set standards for certifying asbestos-linked conditions, including mesothelioma.
It will issue special booklets for those who meet the standards to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses and recuperation fees, and also funeral fees.
The government will pay condolence money and funeral fees to the next of kin of victims of asbestos-linked diseases who died before the law's implementation and who were not covered by current industrial accident insurance plans.
Patients can apply for financial aid during the three years from the time the law takes effect, possibly in March. The government will also pay a special pension to family members of asbestos victims who missed the deadline to claim workers' compensation.
The government has yet to finalize specific sums, but has said that patients will receive 100,000 yen in monthly recuperation money under the law.