Separation of Respiratory and General Patients... Government to Introduce "Respiratory Care Clinics"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Cho Hyun] As the quarantine system aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 is set to transition to "distancing in daily life" (routine quarantine) starting May 6, the government announced on May 4 that it would push forward with the introduction of "respiratory care clinics" in preparation for a prolonged COVID-19 situation.

Kim Ganglip, First Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), stated at a COVID-19 medical association consultative meeting held at Conference House Dalgaebi in Jung-gu, Seoul on this day, "We have decided to accept the medical community's proposal in order to ensure the safety of care for respiratory disease patients while also guaranteeing medical services for non-respiratory disease and non-COVID-19 patients."

The core of the respiratory care clinic initiative is to gradually introduce a medical system dedicated to respiratory disease patients within local communities. The plan is to have respiratory disease patients visit dedicated clinics operated through cooperation between public health centers and local doctors, while general patients continue to use primary care institutions. This separation of patient pathways is intended to block the spread of infection.

Kim further explained, "It may not be easy to implement all at once, but we plan to gradually establish a community-based medical system centered around dedicated clinics for respiratory patients, in cooperation with local medical associations and healthcare professionals." He added, "Recognizing that the medical community may face additional burdens, such as securing facilities to set up these clinics, the government will provide full support and cooperate so that healthcare workers can provide care with peace of mind on the front lines."

The medical community welcomed the introduction of respiratory care clinics, but also called on the government to establish concrete clinical guidelines. Choi Daezip, President of the Korean Medical Association, said, "The concept of respiratory care clinics has been proposed by the medical community since the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. We fully agree with the purpose and basic approach, and will actively cooperate."

However, he also noted, "We cannot say that respiratory disease patients will completely stop visiting general hospitals and clinics after the clinics are introduced. Therefore, clinical guidelines should be promptly compiled based on domestic and international experience, so that not only primary care providers but also medical staff at higher-level hospitals can be equipped with appropriate protocols."

President Choi added, "While gradually establishing respiratory care clinics, we must also build a system that allows all hospitals and clinics to safely treat respiratory patients. This will not only help in responding to COVID-19, but can also serve as a model for dealing with future emerging infectious diseases."

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