The government has begun full-scale discussions to improve the medical accident dispute mediation system.
On the 30th, the 'Medical Accident Safety Net Expert Committee' under the Medical Reform Special Committee held its second meeting to discuss ways to improve the medical accident dispute mediation system in a direction that both patients and medical professionals can trust.
The Medical Accident Safety Net Expert Committee is composed of medical professionals, patient groups, and consumer organizations to conduct in-depth review and discussion on tasks for establishing a safety net for medical accidents, including improvements to the medical dispute mediation system and medical accident insurance and mutual aid systems. At the first meeting on the 16th, they shared and reviewed future tasks such as the 'Special Act on Medical Accident Handling,' which reduces the burden of criminal punishment when medical accidents occur despite medical professionals' best efforts in treatment.
At the second meeting, it was discussed that system improvements must be carefully reviewed across all stages of dispute mediation, including medical accident reception and consultation, investigation and appraisal, and mediation and arbitration.
Additionally, ways to enhance the objectivity and reliability of the medical accident appraisal system, which serves as the basis for dispute resolution, were intensively addressed.
The expert committee shared opinions that to create a medical accident appraisal system acceptable to both patients and medical professionals, it is necessary to expand the participation of appraisal committee members recommended by patients and consumers, operate additional and supplementary appraisals, and establish a specialized counseling system.
Going forward, the expert committee plans to hold meetings every two weeks to discuss guaranteeing fair opportunities for medical accident appraisals, strengthening the protection of patient rights, and establishing a prompt and sufficient victim compensation system.
No Yeonhong, chairperson of the Medical Reform Special Committee, stated, "It is necessary to create a medical environment where patients are strongly protected from medical accidents, while doctors can provide treatment with confidence," adding, "We expect that through swift discussions within the expert committee, a balanced and rational plan will be derived."
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