Startup Industry: "Current Telemedicine Is Half-Baked... Welcoming Legislative Amendments for Legalization"

Announcement Welcoming the Proposal of the Partial Amendment to the Medical Service Act

The Korea Startup Forum welcomed the proposal of a bill to legalize telemedicine and demanded its passage within the 21st National Assembly.

On the 20th, the Korea Startup Forum issued a statement welcoming the "Partial Amendment to the Medical Service Act" bill, which was primarily proposed by Assemblyman Jo Myeong-hee of the People Power Party. This bill aims to legalize telemedicine and includes provisions allowing the delivery of pharmaceuticals following telemedicine consultations.

The Forum stated, "Telemedicine has protected the health of our citizens during the COVID-19 crisis, but it is still operated in the form of a government pilot project. The delivery of medicines is only permitted in a limited way, making it a half-baked system. Although discussions have continued for the past four years, resolution remains elusive as the term of the 21st National Assembly comes to an end."

They added, "While major OECD countries broadly allow telemedicine, South Korea, a medical advanced country, is lagging behind as a latecomer in this field. Rapid legalization of telemedicine is necessary to secure national competitiveness."

Furthermore, they appealed, "Despite difficult and unstable conditions, a small number of innovative telemedicine companies in Korea are struggling to sustain the ecosystem. To enable more innovative companies, including these, to boldly enter the telemedicine sector, institutional support from the government and the National Assembly is urgently needed."

The Forum expressed confidence that "This amendment will not only allow citizens to conveniently and fully utilize telemedicine but will also greatly contribute to the qualitative improvement of medical services and the mutual growth of the pharmaceutical sector and the telemedicine industry," urging the swift passage of the bill.

Finally, they stated, "Public health and the growth of innovative industries are challenges that cannot be left to time. We hope the 21st National Assembly will complete the passage of this bill, which permits pharmaceutical delivery, within its term to achieve a successful conclusion."