In 1963, the Shiohama-Rengou-Jichikaicommenced a system to pay for the medical costs incurred by pollution victims in the area. The total amount, however, was astronomical, forcing the Federation to scrap the system in three months.
The Yokkaichi Medical Association actively lobbied for the entire medical costs to be paid from public funds and the Yokkaichi CityAssemblyurged an early resolution of the issue.
In 1965, Yokkaichi City became the first city in Japan to put in place a medical expense relief system to victims affected by pollution-related diseases, that was paid for entirely from public funds.