Medical Community: Introduction of 'Medical License' Causes Confusion in Healthcare System

"The Number of Doctors Seeing Patients Will Drastically Decrease"

The medical community has opposed the government's announcement to consider introducing a 'medical practice license,' stating that it will cause great confusion in the healthcare system.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 20th, Anna Choi, spokesperson for the Korea Medical Association (KMA), held a briefing on current issues at the KMA headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and made these remarks. She said, "(The introduction of the medical practice license) effectively abolishes the current licensing system and disrupts the established system of general practitioners, residents, specialists, and fellows, which will cause severe confusion in the medical system."

She added, "The number of doctors seeing patients will sharply decrease," and continued, "The government, which is proposing to increase the number of doctors by 2,000 due to a shortage of physicians in the field, is currently blocking and driving away doctors who are willing to work on the front lines."

She also emphasized, "The medical practice license system infringes upon the constitutional freedom to pursue a profession and the principle of trust protection."

Earlier, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced at a briefing on the progress of medical reform that "a medical license alone cannot guarantee the capability for independent practice and opening a clinic," and that it would consider introducing a medical practice license. Currently, after graduating from medical school and passing the national exam, one can practice independently as a general practitioner, but under the new proposal, clinical training would be required separately to open a clinic or practice independently.

Spokesperson Choi questioned, "Is it appropriate for the Special Committee on Medical Reform to push forward such problematic policies without the participation of the KMA?" She added, "If the intention is truly to improve the treatment of residents, a proper licensing system must be established through effective discussions with the medical community."

Meanwhile, regarding the scheduled appearance of Park Dan, emergency response committee chair of the Korean Intern Resident Association, at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 21st, she stated, "Immediately cancel the unreasonable investigation of Chair Park," and added, "The medical community will not tolerate any intimidation against residents and will provide full legal support."