Yoo Young-min, Cheong Wa Dae Chief Secretary, "If Medical Association Refuses Vaccination, Government Will Respond Firmly"

Attending the National Assembly Steering Committee to Emphasize the Importance of COVID-19 Vaccination... "COVID Vaccine Issues Are Matters of National Life"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Yoo Young-min, Chief Secretary to the Blue House, appeared at the National Assembly's Steering Committee plenary session on the afternoon of the 24th and stated, "(If the Korea Medical Association refuses vaccination) the government will respond firmly."

Yoo made this remark in response to Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Jeong-min's inquiry during the Steering Committee, who expressed concerns that "the KMA is even considering refusing the COVID-19 vaccine" and that "patients' anxiety is increasing."

Regarding the issue of revoking medical licenses, Yoo explained, "The purpose of the Medical Service Act amendment is limited to a very small number of unethical medical professionals who have committed serious crimes," adding, "It could rather be a good thing for restoring trust in medical professionals."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoo emphasized, "Especially, the vaccine issue related to COVID-19 is a critical matter concerning the lives and survival of the people, and the vaccination process must proceed smoothly in order to complete the nationwide immunity system by October or November, which is an urgent issue," and asserted, "It is inappropriate for medical professionals to act this way regarding vaccination."

Lawmaker Hong pointed out, "The vaccine's shelf life is generally manageable with refrigeration, but Pfizer's vaccine risks deterioration if it exceeds five days. Without an ultra-cold cold chain, long-term storage is difficult, so if a strike materializes, wouldn't it be possible to waste Pfizer vaccines?"

Yoo responded, "If such a situation occurs, the disruption to vaccination would be severe, and securing additional vaccines would also become critical," adding, "We plan to thoroughly review various administrative measures to prevent this from happening. We expect doctors to fulfill their social responsibilities."