Hepatitis patients reject govt aid plan

Japanese hepatitis patients yesterday rejected a government compensation proposal in a high-profile scandal over tainted blood, a move that could further erode Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's falling poll ratings.

Media are presenting the emotive scandal, in which people received tainted blood products years ago, as a test for Fukuda, who already faces voter anger over mishandled pension records and a bribery case involving a former top defense official.