"To Vaccinate Family and Acquaintances"... Cheongju Medical Center Medical Staff Suspected of Secretly Removing Flu Vaccines

Flu Shot Must Be Prescribed by Visiting Hospital in Person

On the 21st, KBS News reported that medical staff at a public hospital established by Chungcheongbuk-do were found to have secretly taken influenza vaccines and administered them illegally. Photo by KBS News.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Medical staff at Chungbuk Provincial Cheongju Medical Center are under investigation by health authorities following allegations of embezzling influenza vaccines.

On the 21st, KBS News reported that medical staff at a public hospital established by Chungcheongbuk-do were found to have secretly taken influenza vaccines and administered them illegally.

According to KBS, some nurses at the hospital reportedly took vaccines from the pharmacy starting on the 11th, claiming they would vaccinate family members and acquaintances, and brought them home.

There are also claims that some nurses collected resident registration numbers from family and acquaintances to fill out medical questionnaires on their behalf and even received employee discounts.

To receive an influenza vaccination, one must visit the hospital in person, complete a medical questionnaire, and obtain a doctor's prescription.

Medical practices conducted outside medical institutions, except in unavoidable circumstances such as home visits or home nursing where treatment must be provided at the patient's location, may constitute a violation of the Medical Service Act.

Upon learning of this, health authorities launched a fact-finding investigation targeting the hospital. The responsible health center is considering whether to request a police investigation.

The Cheongju Seowon Health Center stated, "We have assessed usage and inventory levels, and today we sent an official letter requesting submission of CCTV footage, visitor logs, and influenza payment records for analysis."

The hospital director expressed willingness to cooperate sincerely with the investigation and plans to conduct an internal audit targeting the nurses and the prescribing doctors.