| [ Summary ] |
Japan has established a high level health care system, which is unique in the world. Our population is aging, and it is projected that we will have a society in which 1.2 people aged 20 to 64 will support one elderly citizen over 65 by 2050. In addition, the number of elderly patients with dementia is increasing. This trend is true also for dialysis patients. We must create a system in which elderly end stage kidney disease patients can receive dialysis treatment while maintaining active lives. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommends expanding the activity levels of dialysis patients by developing and disseminating in home medical equipment. Therefore, peritoneal dialysis is a suitable treatment modality. In the future it will be necessary to create a system to promote regional cooperation between medical staffs for safe PD treatment. |