Mainichi: An advisory panel to the finance minister has proposed a plan to introduce fees for those using ambulances for minor injuries or mild conditions.
The Finance Ministry\'s Fiscal System Council proposed the idea of switching the deployment of ambulances to a paid service at a May 11 meeting to help reduce the 2 trillion yen annual budget allotted to fire-fighting and disaster management measures. While the proposal implies a warning sign targeting those who use ambulances as taxi services, the introduction of ambulance fees is likely to stir opposition. |
