Confusion Between Ministry of Health and Ministry of National Defense Over Disciplinary Actions for Military Doctors Leaving Emergency Room (Comprehensive)

Some military doctors who were dispatched to hospitals experiencing disruptions in emergency room operations have refused to work, citing concerns over medical accident liabilities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of National Defense have issued conflicting statements regarding disciplinary actions against these doctors, causing confusion.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that it would consult with the Ministry of National Defense on disciplinary measures for military doctors who refused to work in emergency rooms, citing violations of military duty orders. However, just a few hours later, the Ministry of National Defense stated that it had not received any such request from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and was not considering any disciplinary actions.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 8th, when medical accidents occur due to negligence by the 250 military doctors and public health doctors deployed to emergency medical sites since the 4th, the medical institutions receiving these personnel will be the primary parties responsible for compensation. The ministry explained that as of April, 65 institutions had already submitted compensation liability agreements stipulating that the medical institutions would bear responsibility for compensation in cases of negligence by substitute personnel.

On the 8th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that there is no issue regarding medical accidents despite some of the 250 military doctors and public health doctors deployed to emergency medical sites since the 4th refusing to work due to concerns over medical accident liabilities. When medical accidents occur due to negligence by substitute personnel, the medical institutions receiving these personnel are the primary parties responsible for compensation. The ministry reiterated that 65 institutions had already submitted compensation liability agreements in April, ensuring that the medical institutions bear responsibility for compensation in such cases.

A Ministry of Health and Welfare official stated, "To alleviate the burden of medical accident compensation on hospitals, we have also enrolled in group insurance that guarantees compensation liability. Accordingly, contracts have been completed to allow compensation of up to 200 million KRW per claim (with a total compensation limit of 2 billion KRW). In cases where compensation liability arises due to the negligence of dispatched personnel, the medical institution will bear a deductible of 20 million KRW."

However, as some military doctors dispatched to certain hospitals have expressed difficulties working in emergency rooms and have either returned or been reassigned to intensive care units, some critics are questioning the effectiveness of the government's substitute personnel deployment measures.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "The Central Accident Response Headquarters (CARH) dispatches military doctors to hospitals facing difficulties in treating severe and emergency patients. On-site, hospital directors utilize these doctors to maintain necessary functions such as emergency or backup care. When hospital directors decide to assign them to areas other than the emergency room, the original staff can then work in the emergency room, so the dispatch of military doctors remains meaningful," they argued.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also said, "We have not received any official letters requesting the return of military doctors. Even if military doctors are sent to other hospitals, similar issues may arise, so we will continue education and persuasion efforts, and furthermore, we will consult with the Ministry of National Defense on disciplinary measures related to violations of military duty orders."

According to the manual, when a military doctor dispatched to an emergency room requests to return, the local government in charge confirms the hospital's intention and sends an official return request letter to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The ministry then notifies the Ministry of National Defense, which must order the military doctor to return to their unit. The ministry explained that this process has not occurred.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare also claimed that the scope of duties for dispatched military doctors was notified in advance. The ministry explained, "When the CARH requested the dispatch of military doctors from the Ministry of National Defense, the official letter specified that the personnel would perform duties related to inpatient and emergency patients. It also stated that the medical institutions receiving the personnel would provide specific work instructions and manage their service."

Regarding the fact that even military doctors specialized in emergency medicine have stated they cannot work in emergency rooms, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said, "Emergency medicine specialists are professionals providing emergency medical care and are military personnel assigned to their duty stations. We will request the Ministry of National Defense to persuade and educate them to faithfully carry out the duties assigned by the state."

However, the Ministry of National Defense stated in a text message distributed to the press corps on the same day, "We have not received any request from the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding disciplinary actions for violations of duty orders by dispatched military doctors, and we are not reviewing any disciplinary measures." The ministry added, "These military doctors are currently negotiating with the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding department adjustments within the dispatched hospitals and transfers to other hospitals without returning to their units. Since there has been no agreement on work adjustments with the hospitals after reporting to duty, they are currently waiting near the hospitals or at personal accommodations to perform additional tasks."