Japan’s Welfare Ministry Finds Major Care Home Company for Disabled ‘Megumi’ Overcharging for Food

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has determined that ‘Megumi’, a major group home management company for people with disabilities, was overcharging food costs from residents. It was revealed on January 17th, through interviews with related parties, that the government has recommended that a report be submitted by the end of this month. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare conducted a special audit and made recommendations at the end of last year. This is a form of sloppy management led by the head office that is being backed up by the government.

Problems such as abuse of users occurred at some of the offices run by ‘Megumi’ but it was pointed out that there was no operational system in place to prevent recurrence, and there was insufficient awareness of compliance with laws and regulations. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare can also issue improvement orders if the company does not comply with its recommendations.

Regarding the recommendation, the Megumi Head Office said in an interview, “The person in charge is not available so we cannot answer.’’

Episode notes: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/01/17/japans-ministry-of-health-labor-and-welfare-finds-megumi-a-major-care-home-for-people-with-disabilities-overcharging-for-food-expenses/