Medical Reform Committee Discusses Public Compensation System for Medical Accidents

Patient Advocate System and National Ombudsman Pilot Programs to Continue

The Special Committee on Medical Reform (hereinafter referred to as the Medical Reform Committee) discussed the establishment of a public compensation system for medical accidents, the creation of a Medical Accident Review Committee (tentative name), and plans to introduce a patient advocate system.

Yonhap News Agency

On January 3, the Medical Reform Committee made this announcement after concluding the 15th meeting of its Medical Accident Safety Net Subcommittee.

During the meeting, it was pointed out that due to the large compensation amounts and the complexity of identifying the causes of medical accidents, proper risk assessment and the development of reasonable insurance and mutual aid products have not been achieved. In particular, it was noted that the scale of insurance and mutual aid enrollment is small, resulting in high premiums for high-risk specialties such as obstetrics.

As a result, there was a consensus on the need for a professional and independent public compensation system that can appropriately assess the risks of medical accidents and help restore patients' damages.

The patient compensation system is designed to provide urgent support for certain medical expenses and living costs before a compensation decision is made, and to guide and mediate the adjustment process and legal support for both medical staff and patients in the event of a medical accident.

Additionally, the committee discussed the establishment of a Medical Accident Review Committee, which would offer opinions on the investigation and prosecution of medical accidents based on medical assessment results, as well as a prosecution system focused on gross negligence.

Meanwhile, pilot projects for the patient advocate system and the national ombudsman program will continue. Patient advocates will review complex professional issues that are difficult for patients to understand during medical assessment and dispute resolution procedures, and will suggest appropriate compensation ranges and other related matters.