119 Investigated for Illegal Medical Rebates... Police Say "Even Small Amounts Lead to Charges"

Investigation of 6 Medical Students Refusing Classes

The police announced that out of a total of 119 people involved in the illegal medical rebate case, 9 have been referred to prosecution, 13 were not referred, and 97 are still under investigation.

Medical personnel are moving at a hospital in Seoul.
[Photo by Kang Jin-hyung]

On the 24th, Woo Jong-su, head of the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency, said at a regular press briefing, "There are 19 cases requested for investigation and 13 cases based on our own intelligence. Among them, 82 are doctors, and the rest are pharmaceutical company officials." He added, "Investigations are being conducted by the police stations with jurisdiction over the locations of the hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, and if necessary, the investigation can be transferred to the provincial police agencies. Even small amounts will be subject to indictment if they qualify as rebates." Earlier, the Ministry of Health and Welfare operated a two-month intensive reporting period for illegal rebates related to pharmaceuticals and medical devices starting from March 21, and requested police investigations into the reported illegal rebate cases at the end of last month.

Regarding the investigation into the medical crisis, Director Woo stated, "On the 20th, we additionally summoned the president of the Korean Medical Association." He explained, "A total of 43 people have been identified in connection with this incident, 38 have been investigated so far, and 13 have been referred to prosecution." Concerning the doctors' collective strike, he said, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare filed complaints against three university hospital doctors and two ordinary citizens," and added, "As more reports come in, we will request appearances and conduct a swift and strict investigation."

A police official said about the investigation into medical students' refusal to attend classes, "Six people from Hanyang University, Chungnam National University, and Konyang University have been booked and are under investigation. Five have been questioned, and one is scheduled for questioning." He added, "We have received various materials and are conducting necessary investigations."