[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The "Healthcare and Welfare Medical Alliance to Block the Nursing Act," composed of 13 health and medical organizations including the Korean Medical Association and the Korean Licensed Practical Nurses Association, held a general rally on the 27th in front of the National Assembly to oppose the enactment of the Nursing Act.
The Healthcare and Welfare Medical Alliance stated, "We strongly condemn the attempt to pass the Nursing Act in the National Assembly, which not only threatens the health and lives of the people but also causes division and extreme conflict among health and welfare medical professions, and we solemnly urge its immediate suspension."
According to the Healthcare and Welfare Medical Alliance, approximately 60,000 people attended the rally that day.
Lee Pil-soo, president of the Korean Medical Association, said at the rally, "Medical care, welfare, nursing, and caregiving are not issues solely for nurses but concerns that all health and medical professions must consider together, as they are critical matters directly related to public health and life," adding, "This is not an issue that can be resolved simply by enacting the Nursing Act."
He continued, "If just and reasonable voices continue to be ignored, the 4 million-strong Healthcare and Medical Alliance will have no choice but to take stronger actions," and said, "We will do our utmost to block the flawed bill."
Gwak Ji-yeon, president of the Korean Licensed Practical Nurses Association, said, "Licensed practical nurses are parties to the Nursing Act and should be helped, but instead, they are facing the loss of their right to livelihood," adding, "We will make every effort to repeal the unilateral nursing-exclusive law that benefits only nurses."
The Nursing Act bill passed the full meeting of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee in May but failed to be submitted to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee due to strong opposition from the Medical Association and others.
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