The Democratic Party Pushes Legislation for 'Remote Medical Consultation' Amid Opposition from the Medical Community

Sung Il-jong, Policy Committee Chair of the People Power Party
Simplification of Actual Expense Insurance Claims, Institutionalization of Non-face-to-face Medical Care
"If the Medical Community Rejects, It Will Be Handled Through Legislation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The ruling party is expected to push forward legislation to simplify the claims process for indemnity insurance and institutionalize telemedicine, despite opposition from the medical community.

On the 25th, Seong Il-jong, the Policy Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said at a party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly, "One of the most necessary changes for South Korea to move into the future is to break down the various regulations hidden throughout our daily lives," adding, "Since simplifying indemnity insurance claims and telemedicine can no longer be delayed, if the medical community refuses, it must be handled through legislation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Seong stated, "Although 40 million people, the majority of the population, are enrolled in indemnity insurance, the claims process is inconvenient, and in reality, small insurance claims such as primary hospital consultation fees are often abandoned," and pointed out, "Telemedicine, which has already become part of daily life with about 35 million consultations and prescriptions made possible by South Korea's information and communication technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, faces a high risk of remaining only a temporary allowance during the pandemic if it is not institutionalized promptly."

He continued, "Both technology and public awareness have changed, and it would be unfortunate if the public cannot benefit from the advancements of evolving scientific civilization," emphasizing, "The People Power Party has continuously requested cooperation from the medical community to dismantle these regulations. The medical community must not reject reforms that can dramatically improve the quality of life and medical environment for the people."

Chairman Seong added, "If the world's top scientists cannot adapt to cutting-edge science and social changes, it will inevitably become like the Galapagos Islands," and elaborated, "The People Power Party has persistently persuaded and requested cooperation, and now the judgment must be made from the people's perspective."