"Medical Staff Mask" Controversy Revealed as "Manufacturer Issue"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that the issue of masks, essential items for preventing the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), not being properly supplied to doctors is due to "supply problems with mask manufacturers."

On the 4th, Yeo Joon-sung, Policy Advisor to the Minister of Health and Welfare, stated on Facebook, "There was a problem with three mask manufacturers supplying to the 'Uisa Jangteo' (Doctors' Market)," adding, "One manufacturer supplied masks in the afternoon, while the other two sent their production volume elsewhere first and were unable to produce masks for supply to 'Uisa Jangteo'." He further explained, "During this process, someone used the 'Public Procurement Service' as an excuse, which led to this situation." Advisor Yeo also added that the government designated the Korean Medical Association and the Hospital Association as 'sales channels for medical institution supply' upon their request on the 27th of last month.

Earlier, 'Uisa Jangteo,' the official shopping mall of the Korean Medical Association, announced, "Today (the 3rd), we received a sudden notice from manufacturers around 11:30 AM that due to a change in government policy regarding mask supply, shipments cannot be made," and stated, "Uisa Jangteo is currently assessing the situation and preparing countermeasures."

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