Tokyo, Aug. 31 (Jiji Press)--Medical expenses in Japan for fiscal 2025 rose 2.6 pct from the previous year to a record 49.2 trillion yen, reflecting the country's aging population and advances in medical technology, according to preliminary data. The expenses paid to medical institutions to treat diseases and injuries in the year through March 2026 increased for the fifth consecutive year, according to the data released by the health ministry Friday. The pace of growth accelerated after slowing for three years in a row. "The increased use of high-cost medications, such as anticancer drugs, was one contributing factor," a ministry official said. The data covered payments from the public health insurance system, other public expenses and out-of-pocket costs shouldered by patients. The preliminary figure accounted for roughly 98 pct of the total medical expenditures in the country. Expenses for inpatient treatment climbed 2.3 pct to 19.6 trillion yen, while those for outpatient treatment rose 1.6 pct to 16.5 trillion yen. Costs to treat dental patients gained 3.5 pct to 3.5 trillion yen and drug-dispensing costs expanded 3.9 pct to 8.8 trillion yen. Per capita medical expenses came to 400,000 yen, up 3.1 pct. Medical expenses for those aged 75 or over averaged 989,000 yen, four times the average of 261,000 yen for those under 75. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]