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Organization and Function of MHLW

Organization and Function of MHLW

MHLW stands for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which is a cabinet-level ministry of the Japanese government. It was established in 2001 by merging two separate ministries: the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Labour.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) is organized into several bureaus, agencies, and offices that work together to achieve the ministry’s goals.

The MHLW has several key functions:

  1. Health Policy: The MHLW is responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to healthcare, medical services, and public health in Japan. This includes regulating pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food safety, as well as promoting health promotion and disease prevention.
  2. Labour Policy: The MHLW is responsible for overseeing policies related to labour and employment in Japan. This includes regulating working conditions, minimum wage, and social security programs.
  3. Social Welfare Policy: The MHLW is responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to social welfare, including support for the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.
  4. Disaster Management: The MHLW plays a crucial role in disaster management in Japan, including responding to natural disasters and pandemics, and providing emergency medical care and assistance.

Organization and Function of MHLW is broken down into several bureaus and agencies, including the Health and Welfare Bureau for the Elderly, the Health Service Bureau, and the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency. The Ministry also oversees several independent administrative agencies, such as the National Institute of Health Sciences and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

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