Gominjeong: "Why Only Doctors Can't?…Medical Association, Immediately Stop 'Threatening' the Public"

Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jung is explaining a bill proposal at the National Assembly plenary session on December 1 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Soyoung] Go Minjung, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the Korea Medical Association for threatening the public by suggesting that "cooperation between medical professionals and the government regarding vaccination will collapse" in response to the passage of the Medical Service Act amendment expanding the grounds for revoking doctors' licenses.

On the 21st, Go posted on her Facebook, "The Medical Association is 'threatening' the public by claiming that the Medical Service Act amendment passed by the Health and Welfare Committee will cause significant obstacles to COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination efforts," criticizing the association.

She continued, "Professions such as lawyers, tax accountants, accountants, and members of the National Assembly have long been subject to the same regulations," and questioned, "So why is it that only doctors are exempt?"

She also emphasized, "Furthermore, this bill excludes 'professional negligence resulting in death or injury' that may occur during medical treatment or surgery," and added, "Moreover, this bill was passed through a bipartisan agreement."

Go then urged, "Withdraw the threats directed at the public immediately."

Earlier, on the 19th, the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee passed an amendment to the Medical Service Act stipulating that a doctor's license will be revoked if they are sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment for any crime.

In response, Choi Daejip, president of the Korea Medical Association, strongly opposed the bill in a statement on the 20th, saying, "This law is harsh, revoking licenses upon sentencing to imprisonment or heavier punishment and prohibiting license reinstatement for five years even after the sentence is completed." He also stated, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare should actively present opinions to the National Assembly, recognizing the serious concerns within the medical community, to prevent an unfortunate situation."

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