A Nonagenarian Rejected in Busan, Traveled 50 Minutes to Ulsan... Family Says "Golden Time Was Missed"

Busan Nonagenarian Transferred to Hospital for Myocardial Infarction
University Hospital Refuses Transfer: "Medical Conditions Not Suitable"
Moved to Ulsan but Dies... "It Was Too Late"

A nonagenarian in Busan was transported to a hospital due to a myocardial infarction but was refused emergency treatment and ultimately passed away, a fact that was reported belatedly. On the 26th, KNN reported, "On the 6th, a woman in her 90s diagnosed with myocardial infarction at a public hospital designated by Busan City inquired about a transfer to a university hospital in Busan but was told that treatment was not possible." The woman was transferred about 10 km away to Ulsan but missed the golden hour and eventually died.

A stock photo unrelated to the article.

The bereaved family claims that the refusal at a nearby university hospital caused the patient to miss the golden hour for timely treatment. This incident is said to have occurred because the university hospital emergency room was not functioning properly due to the mass resignation of residents. Bereaved family member A told KNN, "They said it was too late. If the procedure had been done in Busan, she would have overcome the critical danger. It took more than 50 minutes in a situation where every minute was crucial."

The family filed a damage report with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, but they received a response saying, "Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done." Although the mass resignation of residents clearly had an impact, since no laws were violated, no action could be taken. Bereaved family member B lamented, "I don't understand what the government intends to do after receiving the report. If no action will be taken, why was this system created?"

However, the university hospital in question reportedly stated that although a cardiology specialist was on standby at the time, they could not accept the patient due to medical conditions.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare established and operates the 'Physician Collective Action Damage Report and Support Center' as part of emergency medical measures on the 19th of last month. The center provides consultation on damage cases and legal services to patients who suffered from refusal of severe or emergency treatment due to collective actions. As of the 15th, a total of 1,414 cases related to physician collective actions were consulted, with 509 cases officially reported as damage. Among the 509 cases, delayed surgeries accounted for 350, treatment cancellations 88, treatment refusals 48, and delayed hospitalizations 23.

Opposing the government's plan to increase medical school quotas by 2,000, not only residents but also medical school professors are resigning in succession. Since the 25th, a significant number of professors from 40 medical schools nationwide have either submitted resignation letters or resolved to resign. Professors from 19 medical schools affiliated with the National Medical School Professors Emergency Response Committee?including Kangwon National University, Konkuk University, Konyang University, Gyeongsang National University, Keimyung University, Korea University, Daegu Catholic University, Pusan National University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Ulsan University, Wonkwang University, Ewha Womans University, Inje University, Chonnam National University, Jeonbuk National University, Jeju National University, Chungnam National University, and Hanyang University?are reported to have submitted resignation letters.