• Sitemap
• Japanese

On February 26th 2013, Medwatcher Japan submitted to the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology, the president of the Japanese Association of Medical Sciences and the president of the Science Council of Japan a written request concerning misconduct in medical research.

Serious misconduct in medical research has recently come to light at Toho University and Dokkyo Medical University and others. Steps have been taken in response to this, such as updating research guidelines, but it is considered difficult to root out such misconduct, by further strengthening guidelines that aren't being abided by right now.

Because of this, Medwatcher Japan's written request states that a system allowing a neutral third party to investigate misconduct in the medical research should be promptly established. It also states that based on such an investigation strict disciplinary action should be taken, including disqualification, against any doctor, dentist or pharmacist who is found guilty of serious misconduct. In Europe and the US, such investigative organizations already exist and there have been cases where disciplinary action such as disqualification has been taken.

If misconduct in medical research cannot be prevented, incorrect medical evidence may cause wrong prescription or medical treatment, which could lead to new kinds of drug-induced disasters or damage in the medical field. By rights, a self-governing response by medical researchers is desirable, but under the current state of affairs it must be said that is not really happening. The government, medical field and scientific institutions must quickly work to essentially improve the current situation.

Outline of the written request

１　Establishment of an investigating system
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology must establish a system allowing a neutral third party to investigate whether there is any misconduct in medical research.

２　Disciplinary action against misconduct
（１） The Ministry of Heath, Labor and Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology must provide guidelines on disciplinary action in the event of misconduct in medical research and offer guidance in establishing internal regulations related to disciplinary action against each research institute.
（２） If anyone with a license related to medical or pharmaceutical matters is found guilty of misconduct in medical research, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare must consult the Medical Ethics Council and hand down an administrative punishment such as reprimand, suspension or disqualification depending on the misconduct.

３　Ethics training
Academies must raise awareness by holding events such as seminars and societal gatherings concerning the scope of ethics in medical research.

Table Of Contents

• Privacy Policy

Our members have other regular jobs and volunteer their services free of charge. Our secretariat also serves as part-time basis, and we are currently in the process of facilitating the secretariat function. Therefore, please note that due to limited resources, we might not be able to respond to each inquiry on specific medicine. Thank you for your understanding.