'Prison Sentence and Medical License Revocation' Medical Law Amendment Fails... Korean Medical Association "Respects the Outcome"

Opposition Blocks Passage in Legislation Committee
Medical Association "Focusing on Conveying Medical Community's Opinions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The amendment to the Medical Service Act, which would revoke the licenses of doctors sentenced to imprisonment for up to five years, ultimately failed to pass the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee. The Korean Medical Association stated, "We will focus on fully conveying the medical community’s opinions and concerns to the National Assembly."

Kim Dae-ha, Director of Public Relations and spokesperson, said in a press release on the 26th, “We respect the in-depth discussions of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee,” adding, “Since there were disagreements among the committee members and the revised content is expected to be reorganized and reconsidered at the next meeting, the association will ensure that the medical community’s opinions are fully communicated.”

Originally, the amendment to the Medical Service Act was scheduled to be submitted to the plenary session after passing through the Legislation and Judiciary Committee in the afternoon. However, due to opposition from the opposition party, further discussions will continue in the committee. Opposition lawmakers argue that the amendment violates the constitutional principle of proportionality.

The amendment includes provisions allowing the revocation of licenses for doctors sentenced to imprisonment. In cases of actual imprisonment, license reissuance is prohibited for five years after the completion of the sentence, and for two years after the expiration of probation. The Korean Medical Association strongly opposed the amendment when it passed the Health and Welfare Committee on the 19th, even suggesting the possibility of a general strike and refusal to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, regarding the start of COVID-19 vaccinations on the same day, spokesperson Kim said, “Vaccines are the most reliable scientific response to COVID-19, and the medical community has consistently recommended the government’s active vaccine procurement and cautious administration,” adding, “Practical discussions for the success of the vaccination project are already underway at the joint medical-government committee formed with the government. Now that the full-scale vaccination has begun, we will ensure that the opinions from the field are promptly reflected.”

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