Statement by the Korean Internal Medicine Association on the 9th
"The Government Must Make Every Effort with a Responsible Attitude"
When the government announced plans to allow foreign doctors with medical licenses to practice domestically, internal medicine doctors protested, calling it "simplistic desk-bound administration."
The Korean Association of Internal Medicine issued a statement on the 9th, saying, "The behavior of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the so-called healthcare crisis they mention stem from the increase in medical school quotas caused by the authorities since February," adding, "Despite clearly recognizing public sentiment revealed in the general election, the government is pressuring the medical community and presenting policies that make the public laugh instead of seeking proper solutions or alternatives."
They continued, "Which foreign doctor would want to work in a country with an ultra-low fee insurance system that does not even cover costs, a medical field swayed by judges' rulings, a healthcare delivery system that has collapsed, a country that threatens and demonizes its own doctors and does not even guarantee freedom of career choice?" and "Who would come to a country where doctors must pay high settlement fees even for non-negligent medical malpractice and risk losing their medical licenses?"
They added, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare's plan to import foreign doctors does not align with the logic behind increasing medical school quotas," and said, "The government authorities should be able to explain why they want to increase medical school quotas, which will only show effects after 10 years, when foreign doctors could be imported immediately, and medical practice is not a simple task that can be entrusted to foreign licensed doctors."
Furthermore, they said, "Doctors must not only treat diseases but also communicate with patients and provide emotional care and comfort during treatment, so it is questionable how much satisfaction foreign doctors, who face language barriers, can provide to the public."
They concluded, "We strongly oppose the partial amendment to the Medical Service Act Enforcement Rules by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which disregards the public's right to health," and stated, "We sternly urge the government to withdraw its simplistic desk-bound administration to resolve the serious situation it has itself triggered and to make every effort with a responsible attitude."
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