Japan's doctors say low fees are driving many to ruin

Doctors in Japan have warned that there could be an exodus from the medical profession unless the of health and welfare ministry increases the fixed fees that doctors receive for treating patients.

The ministry—in Tokyo—sets the sums that doctors and hospitals are reimbursed for consultations, treatment, and operations by the country's social security system.

But the Japanese Medical Association says that hundreds of hospitals and general practice clinics are now facing financial ruin because they …