Han Deok-su: "Doctor Blacklist, Insult to Medical Staff Protecting Patients"

Ministry of Health and Welfare to Immediately Request Investigation if Similar Cases Occur

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo strongly criticized the emergence of a 'blacklist' revealing the personal information of medical staff who did not participate in the recent collective resignation, calling it "mockery and insult to the medical personnel who stay by the patients' side."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending and speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on collective medical action held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

On the morning of the 12th, Prime Minister Han presided over the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on the 'doctors' collective action' at the Government Seoul Office and stated, "The so-called 'blacklist' circulating in some communities that discloses the personal information of medical staff who did not participate in the collective resignation or who work in emergency rooms is mockery and insult to the medical personnel who stay by the patients' side, and a cowardly act that effectively deprives individuals of their freedom of choice."

Prime Minister Han reiterated his criticism, saying, "It greatly disappoints our people who trust the goodwill and conscience of young doctors and drives a nail into the hearts of patients who want to live." He added, "(The medical staff blacklist) is a very serious criminal act that can even affect patients' lives and health," emphasizing, "It is an act that must never happen, and the government will never tolerate it."

He continued, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should immediately request police investigations if similar cases occur so that medical staff protecting hospitals can provide treatment with peace of mind," and urged, "I hope they actively listen to and resolve difficulties on the ground." He also called for strict and swift investigations by judicial authorities such as prosecutors and police.

Prime Minister Han said, "I also ask the medical community to take proactive self-purification efforts to correct inappropriate behavior by some doctors in accordance with the professional ethics and calling that prioritize life above all."