Patient Group: "Many Reports of Harm Including Death from Sepsis Due to Lack of Follow-up Treatment"

KMA Indefinite Strike Starting from the 27th
Patient Groups Report Increasing Complaints

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) is set to begin an indefinite strike starting on the 27th, and Ahn Sun-young, director of the Korea Severe Disease Alliance, stated, "Cases of patient harm are increasing due to the collective strike."

On the 19th, Ahn appeared on KBS's Jeonggyeok Sisa and said, "There was a patient with a pelvic fracture caused by a fall, but follow-up treatment could not be arranged due to the collective strike. The patient was transferred to a nursing hospital and later died from sepsis." He added, "There are also reports that when cancer metastasizes during chemotherapy, the metastatic cancer is treated as a new case without considering the overall condition, causing harm. Reports of such damages are increasing."

He emphasized, "Severe diseases like cancer treatment require a triangle relationship among doctors, patients, and caregivers. Simply keeping emergency rooms open does not ensure proper treatment. A primary care physician is necessary." Ahn also said, "From the caregiver's perspective, focusing on the patient is already difficult, and the patient is also struggling. Asking them to find open hospitals and places where treatment is possible only adds to their distress, so the patients' situation is indescribable."

Regarding claims from the medical community that essential medical services and treatment for severe patients continue even during the strike, he criticized, "Those who say that are not doctors but administrators." Ahn stated, "There are many cases where cancer metastasizes during treatment. Simply keeping emergency rooms open does not solve the problem."

He also called for strict government action, noting that patient harm has increased as the medical-government conflict continues into its fourth month. Ahn said, "There have only been statements about license cancellations, suspensions, and claims for damages, but no actual actions have taken place. From the patient association's standpoint, they believe that licenses should be canceled rather than suspended, which can be reversed, and that the government should respond according to principle."