Three Aichi organizations submit requests to provide relief for people with disabilities over excessive food costs

By Barrier Free Japan with extracts from The Asahi Shimbun

October 17 2023

AICHI – Three organizations representing people with disabilities in Aichi Prefecture have submitted a written request to the prefectural government and the city of Nagoya demanding that the government take action in response to the issue of the Megumi Corporation (Tokyo), a welfare company that operates facilities for people with disabilities nationwide, overcharging its users for foodstuffs.

The three organizations that submitted the written request were the Liaison Council for Protecting the Lives and Rights of Persons (and Children) with Disabilities in Aichi Prefecture, the Tokai Regional Headquarters of the National Union of Welfare and Childcare Workers, and the Aichi Branch of Kyosaren, an organization of workplaces where persons with disabilities work. They demanded interviews with users and their families at all Megumi-run facilities, the establishment of a consultation service, and the establishment of a third-party committee.

The Megumi Corporation operates approximately 120 GH facilities for people with intellectual and mental disabilities in 12 prefectures in the Tokai and Kanto regions. It also operates day-care facilities, home nursing stations, and after-school day care services for children with disabilities.

The secretary general of the Kyosaren Aichi Branch, said, “Users and their families are very anxious because there is a fear that the offices may be closed suddenly. We would like you to take action so that people with disabilities can live their lives with peace of mind.

It had been reported on October 8th 2023 that “several former employees of the ‘Megumi’ Corporation…testified that the company had created false service provision records that differed from the actual situation and that the entire organization had been receiving improper compensation for welfare and medical services for the disabled.

The former employees testified that the company had created false service provision records that were different from the actual situation and that the entire organization had fraudulently received compensation for disability welfare and medical services.”

In response to the employees testimony, at the time, the Megumi Corporation stated that “there is no evidence of wrongdoing.”