The Yokkaichi CityAssembly in cooperation with the Yokkaichi Medical Association approached the mayor requesting that the pollution victims' full medical expenses be paid from public funds in a speedy manner. As a result of these initiatives, a unique certification system was put in place for the first time in Japan for the city to pay for all medical expenses incurred by pollution victims. Furthermore, the Yokkaichi City Assembly submitted written statements seven times to the Japanese government requesting the establishment of necessary laws and regulations to enable fundamental solutions to environmental issues, and the continued operation of the Mie University Medical School Affiliated Shiohama Hospital.