New Coronavirus Tests Conducted at 124 Public Health Centers... "Doctors Not Held Responsible" (Comprehensive)

Noh Hong-in, Chief Officer of the Central Accident Response Headquarters (Director of Health and Medical Policy, Ministry of Health and Welfare), is briefing the results of the daily situation check meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection at the Government Complex Sejong in Sejong City on the morning of the 7th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] From the 7th, diagnostic testing for the novel coronavirus infection (novel coronavirus) will be available at 124 public health centers. The number of private medical institutions capable of testing is also expected to expand to around 100, and the government plans to cover the testing costs. Additionally, the authority of medical personnel will be strengthened to allow testing for the novel coronavirus based solely on a doctor's opinion, and even if cases occur, no responsibility will be imposed on them.

No Hong-in, the Chief Officer of the Central Accident Response Headquarters (Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare), said at the regular briefing on this day, "Novel coronavirus testing is available at public health centers and medical institutions where screening clinics are installed," adding, "As of today, testing is possible at 124 public health centers." The public health centers where testing is available can be confirmed through the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and the novel coronavirus infection micro page.

No, the Chief Officer, also stated, "We plan to disclose about 100 private medical institutions capable of testing," and added, "Since medical institutions need time to prepare and cooperation is required, we will disclose them after going through such processes."

The Central Accident Response Headquarters said, "To ensure accurate testing, strict requirements such as equipment, skilled personnel, and quality control for infection prevention must be met," and added, "Currently, the daily testing capacity is about 3,000 cases, but considering the demand for diagnostic testing and the extent of the spread of the infection, we plan to continue expanding (testing institutions)."

The government plans to support diagnostic testing costs for confirmed patients or suspected cases. The amount is 80,000 KRW each for upper and lower respiratory tract tests, totaling 160,000 KRW, and testing fees will be supported regardless of nationality. However, due to concerns that testing demand may become excessively concentrated, the government urged adherence to procedures for testing. No, the Chief Officer, said, "Even symptomatic individuals should not visit medical institutions immediately but first consult the 1339 call center of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and then receive guidance on procedures for diagnostic testing, such as visiting the screening clinic at the local public health center."

Meanwhile, the Central Disease Control Headquarters of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency revised the novel coronavirus infection response procedures (5th edition) on the 6th, expanding the testing target from Wuhan City and Hubei Province to visitors from all over China starting that day. Individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat, as well as pneumonia signs, are classified as suspected cases. Testing is also included if a doctor judges the case as a novel coronavirus suspicion.

No, the Chief Officer, said, "Since doctors will utilize their expertise to the fullest, there will be no responsibility issues regarding the judgment of the novel coronavirus," and added, "If a patient occurs contrary to the opinion and a medical institution suffers losses, the government plans to create compensation standards and provide compensation accordingly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.